Ugarte reveals psychological support helping him through serious knee injury at Man United

Manuel Ugarte is working with a psychologist to manage the mental demands of his long-term rehabilitation after suffering a serious knee injury at the World Cup this summer. The Manchester United midfielder was hurt during Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Spain when team-mate Mathias Olivera fell onto his extended leg after reaching the ball first, leaving Ugarte in tears as he was stretchered off. He subsequently returned to Manchester and underwent successful surgery.

The 25-year-old told ESPN, via Sport Witness, that the psychological support has been invaluable during the recovery process. “He helps me a lot because he makes me look beyond the day-to-day,” Ugarte said. “Sometimes you get angry about things that happen during the day which aren’t worth it. We always talk a lot about everything, not just sport, but also on a personal level.”

Ugarte added that the sessions have helped him gain perspective on his career and wellbeing. “That helps me become aware of what I’ve achieved, where I am, and I really enjoy it. The hours fly by because we talk about everything. We talk a lot about books.”

He also stressed that mental health work has a tangible impact on performance. “It’s a huge help. Behind an athlete there’s a person,” he said. “How you perform, work and act in sport is directly related to your personal life, so it’s something important and I’m very happy to continue working with him.”

With Ugarte sidelined for at least 28 consecutive days, FIFA’s Club Protection Programme has stepped in to cover his salary, with the scheme paying player wages up to a maximum of €7.5 million (£6.6m) until they are declared fit to return.

The timeline for his return to first-team action at Old Trafford remains unclear, and his absence has coincided with United signing three midfielders during the summer window — Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba. Those arrivals have prompted speculation about Ugarte’s long-term future at the club, though any potential move could not materialise before the January transfer window at the earliest. The Uruguayan joined from Paris Saint-Germain for £42 million in 2024 and is contracted until the summer of 2029.