Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious injury during the World Cup match between Uruguay and Spain.
Manuel Ugarte sustains a serious injury while playing for Uruguay at the World Cup (Image: (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images))
Manuel Ugarte will be carried off on a stretcher to represent Uruguay at the World Cup after suffering what appears to be a serious knee injury. The Manchester United star appeared to have injured his knee after being involved in a nasty challenge just before Spain took the lead.
He was immediately carried off on a stretcher and was in visible discomfort. Emotions clearly affected him, and he was photographed looking inconsolable with his shirt pulled over his head.
The challenge on Ugarte actually came from Ugarte’s own teammates, as he and Matias Olivera went to steal the ball. The latter got there first and fell onto Ugarte’s outstretched leg on the follow-through.
Ugarte immediately screamed in pain and while Uruguay wanted to give the ball out, Spain continued to play and took the lead. Alex Baena’s modest shot rebounded onto Fernando Muslera before being mercilessly hooked off by Marcelo Bielsa.
The issue could have an impact on United, with Nicola de la Cruz replacing the injured Ugarte.
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The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer but is unlikely to be snapped up by any club if he suffers a long-term injury.
The past few seasons have been difficult for Ugarte, who has been given a rare starting spot for United. However, he is an important figure for Bielsa and has started every group game at the World Cup.
There is interest in the 25-year-old from Serie A, but the teams involved are likely to wait for a full diagnosis of his injury.
Ederson looks set to replace Manuel Ugarte at Manchester United
United are expected to strengthen their midfield this summer, with Ederson expected to join from Atalanta, but West Ham’s Matheus Fernandes is also a specific target.
Tottenham are also interested and appear to be able to afford to meet his asking price and wage demands. United have already missed out on Elliot Anderson due to financial reasons, with rivals Manchester City agreeing a £116m deal to sign him from Nottingham Forest.
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