Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is expected to be sidelined for a significant period after suffering a torn cruciate ligament during Uruguay's final World Cup group-stage match against Spain. The 25-year-old landed awkwardly just before half-time on Friday, receiving lengthy medical treatment before being stretchered off the field in distress.
Reports in Uruguay indicate that an MRI has confirmed the ACL injury, dealing a bitter blow to both the player and Manchester United. The club released a statement acknowledging the knee ligament injury but did not disclose a potential return timeline, stating that assessments are ongoing.
Club Statement on Ugarte's Injury
Manchester United's statement read: "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. 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's long-term future at Old Trafford had been uncertain ahead of the World Cup, with suggestions he might be sold this summer as part of a midfield overhaul. However, the severity of the injury now makes a transfer unlikely.
Ugarte's World Cup and Club Performance
The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder started all three of Uruguay's World Cup games. Their 1-0 loss to Spain resulted in an early exit after earning just two points in Group H. Last season, Ugarte started only eight Premier League matches for United and did not feature after a home defeat to Leeds in mid-April.
