Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is facing an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a knee ligament injury during Uruguay's 1-0 World Cup loss to Spain. The 25-year-old was carried off on a stretcher just before half-time after twisting awkwardly while challenging Spain's Pedri.
Injury details and assessment
United have not specified whether the injury involves the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL). A torn ACL typically requires surgery and months of rehabilitation, while an MCL tear is generally less severe. "Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale," the club said in a statement.
Ugarte was visibly distraught, pulling his shirt over his face as he was carried off. Uruguay's football federation added: "We will continue working together through the evaluation process to later confirm the full extent and severity of the injury."
Impact on Uruguay and Ugarte's season
Uruguay, two-time World Cup champions, were eliminated with the defeat, finishing third in Group H on two points. The injury is a further setback for Ugarte, whose Manchester United career has struggled to gain momentum since his €50m move from Paris Saint-Germain. He started eight Premier League matches in the 2025-26 season and only once in United's final 16 league games.
