Ugarte injured at World Cup, out for a long time

Bad news has arrived for Manchester United and Uruguay national team midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The player, who suffered a serious knee injury in the World Cup defeat to Spain, has had a cruciate ligament tear confirmed after MRI results. The injury means Ugarte will be out for a long time.

The unfortunate injury occurred in the match Uruguay lost 1-0 to Spain, which led to their group-stage elimination. Late in the first half, Ugarte landed badly on his left knee while trying to challenge for the ball; he had to be stretchered off and was replaced by Nicolás de la Cruz. The estimated recovery time for the cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is put at nine to twelve months, meaning the player could miss much of the new season.

This development also has significant consequences for Manchester United's summer plans. According to reports, the club had hoped to sell Ugarte this summer in order to reshape its midfield. However, an injury that could last around a year disrupts that plan; it is reported that no club will sign the player during this period, so Ugarte will complete his rehabilitation at Old Trafford. United, meanwhile, are in line to receive compensation from FIFA due to the injury suffered on international duty.

Signed from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 and seen as Casemiro's successor, Ugarte had struggled to fully adapt to the pace of the Premier League. Uruguay, under Marcelo Bielsa, suffered a surprise exit, drawing with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde before losing to Spain in the group stage. The long-term absence of Ugarte, a key man in the team's midfield, is viewed as a heavy loss for both his country and his club.

Source: Rodri Vasquez
Image: BBC