Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has revealed the psychological work helping him cope with the long-term absence caused by a serious knee injury suffered at the World Cup.
The 25-year-old was injured in an unfortunate clash with his own team-mate Mathias Olivera during Uruguay's 1-0 defeat to Spain. Olivera reached the ball first before falling onto Ugarte's extended leg, leaving the midfielder in tears as he was stretchered from the pitch.
Rehabilitation and psychological support
Ugarte returned to Manchester and underwent successful surgery before beginning his rehabilitation over the summer, although it remains unclear when he will be fit to return to action.
Long-term injuries can be difficult for players to deal with, but the Uruguayan has been working with a psychologist to help him through the process. He told ESPN (via Sport Witness): "He helps me a lot because he makes me look beyond the day-to-day.
"Sometimes you get angry about things that happen during the day which aren’t worth it. We always talk a lot about everything, not just sport, but also on a personal level.
"That helps me become aware of what I’ve achieved, where I am, and I really enjoy it. The hours fly by because we talk about everything. We talk a lot about books."
Impact on performance and contract details
Ugarte explained that he believes the psychological side has a direct effect on what eventually happens on the pitch.
"It’s a huge help. Behind an athlete there’s a person," he added. "How you perform, work and act in sport is directly related to your personal life, so it’s something important and I’m very happy to continue working with him."
In Ugarte's absence, FIFA's Club Protection Programme has covered his salary after he was sidelined for at least 28 consecutive days. The scheme covers the wages of an injured player up to a maximum of €7.5million (£6.6m) until they are declared fit to return to their club.
Midfield additions and future questions
United also signed three midfielders during the summer transfer window in Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba. The arrivals have inevitably raised questions over Ugarte's future, although he will now have to wait until at least the January transfer window for a potential move.
Having joined from Paris Saint-Germain for £42million in 2024, the midfielder signed a contract that runs until the summer of 2029.
