Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has suffered a torn cruciate ligament during Uruguay's 1-0 World Cup loss to Spain on Saturday, according to reports from his home country. The 25-year-old was stretchered off shortly before half-time in Guadalajara after a collision with teammate Mathias Olivera. While the incident appeared innocuous, tests have since confirmed the severity.
Injury Confirmed by MRI
Uruguayan journalist Rodri Vázquez posted on X on Sunday that an MRI revealed Ugarte had torn his cruciate ligaments. The midfielder will now spend several months on the sidelines and will return to Manchester United for treatment. His World Cup campaign was already over as Uruguay were eliminated after a disappointing group stage, finishing third with two points following draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
Impact on Manchester United Transfer Plans
The injury may complicate Ugarte's future at Old Trafford. Since joining from Paris Saint-Germain two seasons ago, the midfielder has made little impact, and United's midfield revamp was not expected to include him. However, with a lengthy recovery period extending into 2026, a summer exit now looks highly unlikely. If United cannot secure a transfer fee or remove his wages from the books, their ability to sign midfield reinforcements could be hampered. The club will receive some compensation through the FIFA Club Protection Programme, which covers injuries sustained on international duty.
Bielsa's Brutal Self-Assessment
Uruguay's World Cup campaign under Marcelo Bielsa ended in disappointment. After the defeat to Spain, Bielsa gave a harsh assessment of his tenure. 'What I gave Uruguayan football is nothing, because any contribution a coach makes to a national team over three years is futile without positive outcomes,' he said. 'I don't need to speak any further about our performance at the World Cup. If you ask how they are going to remember me, they will remember me as having left nothing.' He added: 'The journalists, the Uruguayan supporters, you all want to blame me for what happened, and I must take the blame. It is the only right thing to do.'
