Manchester United have confirmed that midfielder Manuel Ugarte has sustained a knee ligament injury while representing Uruguay at the World Cup, a devastating blow that leaves the club's summer transfer plans in tatters.
Injury Details and Immediate Aftermath
Ugarte was carried off on a stretcher during Uruguay's 1-0 loss to Spain, which eliminated them from the tournament. The 25-year-old appeared visibly distraught as he left the pitch, and scans in Uruguay reportedly revealed an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. He was seen in a wheelchair after the match at the Estadio Akron.
United's statement said: "Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte has suffered a knee ligament injury while representing Uruguay in Friday's World Cup group-stage match against Spain. Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale. Everyone wishes Manuel a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way."
Impact on Transfer Plans
The injury is a major setback for United, who had planned to sell Ugarte this summer to raise funds for midfield reinforcements. The Uruguay international, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for a fee potentially worth £50.5 million, had failed to establish himself at Old Trafford. Several Serie A clubs were interested in signing him, but any transfer is now off the table.
Ugarte is unlikely to be fit enough to play a significant role in the upcoming season, leaving head coach Michael Carrick without a key midfield option as United prepare for a Champions League return. The club had already lost Casemiro, who left at the end of his contract.
Ederson Deal Nearing Completion
Despite the setback, United have moved to secure Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta. An agreement has been reached for an initial fee of £35 million, plus £3.8 million in add-ons. Ederson is set to sign a four-year deal with an option to extend by a further year.
Speaking after his late call-up to Brazil's squad, Ederson told Tuttosport: "It's practically almost all sorted. I have to make the most of this moment. I am here and it is a wonderful thing, something you must always live to the fullest."
