Uruguay's Ugarte Suffers Serious Knee Injury at World Cup as Man United Brace for Lengthy Absence

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is facing a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee ligament injury during Uruguay's World Cup group-stage defeat to Spain in Guadalajara on Friday. The 25-year-old was stretchered off the pitch after twisting his knee awkwardly whilst attempting a tackle in the build-up to Spain's winning goal.

Ugarte took to Instagram on Sunday to address the injury, describing it as "the most serious injury a footballer can face" — widely understood to be a reference to a cruciate ligament rupture, a diagnosis that multiple Uruguayan media outlets have reported. Such an injury typically requires surgery and carries a rehabilitation period of several months. "Suffering the most serious injury a footballer can face in one of the most important matches in my country's history, and seeing it end this way without being able to stay on the pitch and support my team-mates until the final whistle, is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life," he wrote.

Despite the devastating blow, the Uruguayan international vowed to return stronger from the setback. "Hitting rock bottom will make me stronger in every sense, and I truly believe that's the case here," he added. "Success in life is about starting again every time you fall." Manchester United confirmed the injury in an official statement, saying assessment is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and rehabilitation timescale.

Ugarte, who joined United from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for £50.8 million, had been expected to leave Old Trafford this summer — either on loan or permanently — having struggled to cement his place in the side. His last appearance for the club came in a Premier League home defeat to Leeds on 13 April. Those transfer plans are now uncertain, with the club's focus firmly on the player's recovery and well-being.

The injury also complicates United's broader midfield rebuild ahead of the new season. The club have already agreed a £35 million deal for Atalanta's Ederson, though the Brazilian's medical has been delayed following his late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad. United have also held talks over West Ham's Mateus Fernandes and have shown interest in Bournemouth's Alex Scott, whilst a move for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson was abandoned due to the prohibitive cost involved.