Ugarte Suffers Serious Knee Injury at World Cup
July 6, 2026 · Global
Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee ligament injury while playing for Uruguay in their World Cup match against Spain, raising concerns about his recovery and future at the club.
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte stated that he suffered "the most serious injury a footballer can suffer" while playing in the World Cup for Uruguay. The club has confirmed that the 25-year-old suffered knee ligament damage in Uruguay's defeat to Spain in Guadalajara on Friday. Ugarte fell in an unusual way while attempting to make a tackle ahead of Spain's winning goal and had to be carried off the field on a stretcher.
He was examined by Uruguayan medical staff on Saturday and will soon travel to Manchester for further tests before United decide on the best course of action. Many reports in Uruguayan media claim Ugarte has a cruciate ligament injury, which will keep him out for several months. In a post on Instagram on Sunday, Ugarte confirmed the claim. "Suffering the most serious injury a footballer can suffer in one of the most important matches in my country's history, and seeing it end like this without being able to stay on the pitch and support my teammates until the final whistle, is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life," he said.
However, he is determined to "come back stronger" from this setback. "Meeting rock bottom will make me stronger in every way, and I truly believe that 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 positive side of this. Success in life is about starting over every time you fall," he added.
However, United will wait for their own test results before accepting too gloomy a scenario. "Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury while representing Uruguay in Friday's World Cup group match against Spain," the club said. "Assessment of this injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and rehabilitation schedule. Everyone wishes Manuel a successful recovery and we will support him every step of the way."
Ugarte entered the World Cup knowing he would likely be a target for clubs looking to strengthen their midfield. The £50.8m arrival from Paris St-Germain in 2024 did not live up to anticipated expectations during his time at Old Trafford and his last appearance was in the home defeat to Leeds on April 13.
It is widely expected he will move this summer, either permanently or on loan. Now those plans are in doubt, with attention at United focused on player welfare. United have prioritized strengthening their midfield this summer, with the hope that at least two or three new players will be added. The club have agreed to sign Ederson from Atalanta for £35 million. However, plans for Ederson to undergo a medical before pre-season training began on July 9 had to be scrapped when Ederson received a surprise call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad. Now the intention is for Ederson to undergo a medical once the Brazil campaign ends and then return to Carrington after the mandatory three-week rest period.
United were also interested in Elliot Anderson but withdrew from discussions when the huge fees, both in transfers and wages, they would have to pay to take him out of Nottingham Forest became clear. Talks with West Ham over Portugal international Mateus Fernandes have yet to reach an agreement on a fee, with Tottenham also interested in the former Southampton man. United also rate Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who was one of four players to travel with England for their World Cup pre-season training camp despite not being selected in Thomas Tuchel's squad, and they had rejected last season's bid by Brighton for Cameroon international Carlos Baleba. It remains to be seen whether Ugarte's lengthy injury will affect the amount of money available for United to buy the player.