Manchester United have confirmed that midfielder Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury while representing Uruguay at the World Cup.
The 25-year-old was injured during Uruguay’s defeat to Spain in Guadalajara on Friday after twisting awkwardly while attempting a tackle in the build-up to Spain’s winning goal.
He was taken off the pitch on a stretcher.
Ugarte was assessed by Uruguay’s medical staff on Saturday and will now travel to Manchester for further tests before United determine the best course of treatment.
Several reports in the Uruguayan media have claimed the midfielder suffered a cruciate ligament injury, which could keep him out for several months.
Posting on Instagram on Sunday, Ugarte appeared to acknowledge the severity of the setback.
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“Suffering the most serious injury a footballer can face in one of the most important matches in my country’s history, and seeing it end this way without being able to stay on the pitch and support my team-mates until the final whistle, is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
“Hitting rock bottom will make me stronger in every sense, and I truly believe that’s the case here.
“Without a doubt, when life wants you to stop, it finds a way to let you know. It’s up to me to take the positives from this. Success in life is about starting again every time you fall,” he said.
Speaking on Ugarte’s knee injury, Manchester United said the player is still undergoing assessment before any timeline for his recovery is confirmed.
“Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte has suffered a knee ligament injury whilst representing Uruguay in Friday’s World Cup group-stage match against Spain,” the club said.
“Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale.
“Everyone wishes Manuel a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way.”
Ugarte travelled to the World Cup amid uncertainty over his future after United prioritised strengthening their midfield.
The £50.8 million signing from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford. His last appearance came in the Premier League defeat to Leeds on 13 April.
He had been expected to leave the club this summer, either permanently or on loan. However, the injury has cast doubt over those plans as United focus on his recovery.
