Manchester United have confirmed that midfielder Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury during Uruguay's 1-0 World Cup defeat to Spain, with the 25-year-old now facing an extended period on the sidelines.
Injury details and immediate aftermath
Ugarte was carried off on a stretcher shortly before half-time after appearing to twist awkwardly while closing down Spain midfielder Pedri. The Uruguayan was distraught, tugging his shirt over his face as he was taken from the pitch.
United did not specify whether the injury involves the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL). A torn ACL is generally considered far more serious, often requiring surgery and many months of rehabilitation.
Club and federation statements
“Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale,” United said in a statement. Uruguay’s football federation added: “We will continue working together through the evaluation process to later confirm the full extent and severity of the injury.”
Ugarte had started all three of Uruguay’s World Cup group games. The two-time World Cup champions were eliminated with the defeat, finishing third in Group H on two points.
Impact on Ugarte's United career
The injury is another blow for Ugarte, whose United career has yet to gain momentum since his €50 million move from Paris Saint-Germain. He started eight Premier League matches in the 2025-26 season and only once during United’s final 16 league games.
Spain’s Nico Williams later criticised the tackle that led to Ugarte’s injury, calling it “completely unnecessary” in comments reported by Spanish media.
