Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte plays against Wolves (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is expected to miss most, if not all, of next season after sustaining a knee injury in Uruguay’s final World Cup match. The 25-year-old twisted his knee during a challenge against Spain and was substituted just before the end of the first half.
Ugarte started his third game at the World Cup as Uruguay battled for a spot, knowing they needed a win to advance. As a result, Uruguay lost to Spain 0-1 and finished third in the group behind Cape Verde with two points, but it was not enough to qualify for the Round of 32.
Ugarte announces he will be out for 8 months to 1 year
The tenacious midfielder was injured on a stretcher as a result of a challenge in which he tried to take the ball from Pedri González, and Diario AS reported that his injury was serious. He was diagnosed with torn his anterior cruciate ligament and would be out of action for eight months to a year. The injury will cause Ugarte to miss most of next season, and depending on his recovery, he may be forced to aim for a return in 2027-28.
Injury could change Manchester United’s plans
With Casemiro leaving Manchester United as a free agent, Ugarte could theoretically have had the chance to get more playing time next season. The Red Devils appear to have decided to sign another midfielder, with Ugarte expected to leave the club. At the moment, that seems highly unlikely and United will be forced to look for another holding midfielder to replace Casemiro unless they have the additional budget from a possible sale of Ugarte.
