Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has received support from teammates after sharing an update on his recovery from a serious injury sustained during the recent World Cup. The 25-year-old faces a significant period on the sidelines after being stretchered off during Uruguay's 1-0 defeat to Spain, a loss that also ended his nation's hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Injury details
Ugarte suffered the injury after an inadvertent clash with his own teammate, Mathias Olivera, as both challenged for possession late in the first half. Olivera reached the ball first and fell onto Ugarte's extended leg, leaving the midfielder stretchered off in tears.
Manchester United have confirmed that Ugarte underwent successful surgery and has begun the rehabilitation stage of his recovery. It remains unclear when he will be fit enough to return to action.
Teammates show support
The former Sporting star shared an update on Instagram, posting photos of himself in recovery with the caption: "Recovery. Rebuild. Rise." Among the teammates to respond were Mason Mount, who wrote "With you brother!", Luke Shaw, who said "Let's go Manu" alongside three love heart emojis, and Amad Diallo, who replied with two love heart emojis.
Financial implications
FIFA's Club Protection Programme will cover Ugarte's salary if he is out for at least 28 consecutive days. The scheme pays an injured player's salary up to a maximum of €7.5m (£6.6m) until they are declared fit to return for their club.
The injury also complicates United's transfer plans. The club had planned to sign three midfielders during the summer window, but that was partly contingent on finding a buyer for Ugarte. With the injury, he is likely to stay at United until at least the January transfer window. The Reds have already signed two new midfielders in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, and more deals are expected before the window closes on September 1, but sales will also be needed.
