Manuel Ugarte has received backing from his Manchester United colleagues following an update on his recovery from injury. The 25-year-old is facing a lengthy spell out of action after being carried off on a stretcher during Uruguay's 1-0 loss to eventual champions Spain in the recent FIFA World Cup.
Devastating Blow for Uruguay
That defeat and setback were made worse by another crushing blow, as it dashed the South American side's dreams of progressing to the knockout rounds. The midfielder picked up the knock following an accidental collision with his own colleague as he and Mathias Olivera both went for the ball late in the opening period.
Olivera got to the ball first and, in the process, tumbled onto the United star's outstretched leg. The unfortunate incident left Ugarte being stretchered away in floods of tears.
Recovery Underway
The Red Devils confirm he has had successful surgery and has started the rehabilitation phase of his recovery. It remains uncertain when he will be ready to make his comeback.
And the ex-Sporting ace has now provided an update on Instagram. "Recovery. Rebuild. Rise," he wrote in the caption alongside several recent snaps of him during his recovery.
Teammates Rally Support
Amongst the colleagues to offer words of encouragement in the comments was Mason Mount. The fellow midfielder wrote: "With you brother!"
Luke Shaw was another player to send his support. The 31-year-old wrote: "Let's go, Manu," alongside three love heart emojis. Amad Diallo also expressed his support - simply replying with two love heart emojis on the post.
Financial Implications
FIFA's Club Protection Programme will cover Ugarte's wages if he is sidelined for at least 28 consecutive days. The initiative pays the salary of an injured player up to a maximum of €7.5m (£6.6m) until they are declared fit to return for their club.
The Reds had intended to bring in three midfielders during the summer transfer window; however, this was partially dependent on United securing a buyer for Ugarte. This now presents a problem as Ugarte's injury means he is likely to remain at United until at least the January transfer window. The Reds have already recruited two new midfielders in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Further transactions are anticipated at Old Trafford before the summer window shuts on September 1, but the Reds will also need to offload players.
