Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is expected to miss the majority of the 2026-27 season after sustaining a severe knee ligament injury during Uruguay's final World Cup match against Spain on Saturday. The 25-year-old was stretchered off following an awkward challenge that led to Alex Baena's goal in a 1-0 defeat.
Ugarte's Emotional Statement
Speaking publicly for the first time since the injury, Ugarte took to Instagram to describe the setback as 'the most serious injury a footballer can face'. He wrote: '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.'
Ugarte added: 'Hitting rock bottom will make me stronger in every sense, and I truly believe that's the case here. Without a doubt, when life wants you to stop, it finds a way to let you know. It's up to me to take the positives from this. Success in life is about starting again every time you fall.'
Impact on Manchester United's Transfer Plans
Ugarte's injury has disrupted Manchester United's summer transfer strategy, as the club had intended to sell the former Paris Saint-Germain star. With his extended absence, finding a buyer will be challenging. The Red Devils are now light in midfield following Casemiro's departure, leaving Kobbie Mainoo as the only senior recognised central midfielder on the books.
United are in talks with Atalanta to sign Ederson for £35 million, according to sources. Other targets include West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, and Bournemouth's Alex Scott. The club was also keen on Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, but Manchester City has agreed a £116 million deal for the midfielder, a record for a British player.
Recovery and Support
Ugarte expressed gratitude for the support he has received: 'I'm incredibly grateful to the Uruguayan federation and United for being there for me from the moment it happened. A huge thank you as well to my family, my friends and everyone who has sent me messages of support during this time. I'll be back stronger.'
The midfielder will travel to Manchester for further tests with United's medical team to determine the full extent of the damage and plan his rehabilitation.
