Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte is expected to miss most of next season after injuring his knee ligaments in Uruguay’s final World Cup match.
Manuel Ugarte had to be carried away on a stretcher (Image: Alfredo ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte has released an emotional statement after suffering the “most serious injury of his career”. Ugarte, 25, injured his knee ligaments in Saturday’s final World Cup match, Uruguay’s 1-0 loss to Spain.
The midfielder twisted awkwardly during the build-up to Alex Baena’s goal and was carried off on a stretcher. After being assessed by the Uruguayan medical team, Ugarte will travel to Manchester for further tests.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star has spoken out on social media for the first time since his injury. “It’s been a few days since everything happened,” Ugarte wrote on Instagram.
“To see one of the most important games in the history of my country suffer the most serious injury a footballer can face and end up like this without being able to stay on the pitch and cheer on his team-mates until the final whistle is something I will remember for the rest of my life.
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“Even when I hit rock bottom, it makes me stronger in every sense of the word. And I truly believe that’s the case here. Without a doubt, when life wants to stop, it finds a way to let you know.
“It’s up to me to see this in a positive way. Success in life means starting over every time you fall. I’m very grateful to the Uruguayan federation and United for being there for me from the moment it happened.”
“Thank you so much to my family, friends, and everyone who has sent me messages of support during this time. I will come back even stronger.”
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Ugarte’s injury has disrupted United’s summer transfer plans to sell him. The 25-year-old is likely to be sidelined for most of the 2026-27 season and the Red Devils will struggle to find a buyer.
His absence also leaves United with a lack of light in their midfield numbers, with Coby Mainu the only senior central midfielder on the roster following Casemiro’s departure. However, Michael Carrick’s side are in talks with Atalanta to sign Ederson for £35m.
Other targets include West Ham star Matheus Fernandes, Newcastle ace Sandro Tonali and Bournemouth youngster Alex Scott. United were keen to sign Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson, but Manchester City are set to win the title race after agreeing a record £116m deal for a British player.
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