Ugarte faces suspected cruciate injury after being stretchered off for Uruguay at World Cup

Manchester United are bracing for a serious injury blow after midfielder Manuel Ugarte was stretchered off during Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in their final Group H match at the 2026 World Cup in Zapopan on Saturday. Ugarte, 25, was in clear distress following a collision in the first half — shortly before Alex Baena opened the scoring for Luis de la Fuente’s side — and was later seen leaving the Estadio Akron in a wheelchair with his left leg covered.

Journalist Rodri Vazquez has reported that Ugarte underwent knee tests on Saturday in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and that a cruciate ligament injury is expected to be confirmed. The Uruguay FA have yet to issue an official diagnosis, and United face an anxious wait to learn the full extent of the damage and how long their midfielder will be sidelined.

The injury adds significant uncertainty to Ugarte’s immediate future at Old Trafford. There had been growing speculation that the Uruguayan could leave the club this summer, with Serie A sides reported to have shown interest. A potential departure now appears far less straightforward given the likelihood of a lengthy rehabilitation period.

United’s transfer activity in midfield is also likely to be affected. The club have already agreed a deal to sign Atalanta’s Ederson for an initial fee of £35 million, with a further £3.8 million in add-ons. West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes has also been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, and it remains to be seen whether Ugarte’s injury will influence the club’s broader recruitment plans.

Ugarte endured a difficult debut season at United following his move from Paris Saint-Germain and had been hoping to use the World Cup as a platform to rebuild his confidence and form. Uruguay’s elimination at the group stage, combined with his injury, means he will now return to England to begin his recovery.