Ugarte stretchered off at World Cup with serious knee injury to leave Man United facing summer blow

Manuel Ugarte was stretchered off during Uruguay’s World Cup group-stage match against Spain after sustaining what appears to be a serious knee injury, dealing a significant blow to Manchester United’s summer transfer plans.

The 25-year-old was caught in an accidental collision with his own team-mate Mathias Olivera as both challenged for possession. Olivera reached the ball first but fell onto Ugarte’s extended leg in the process, prompting an immediate cry of pain from the United midfielder. He was removed on a stretcher in clear distress and was later seen with his shirt pulled over his head.

With play continuing despite Uruguay’s protests, Spain capitalised almost immediately, with Alex Baena’s weak shot bobbling past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to open the scoring. Nicolas de la Cruz came on to replace Ugarte.

The injury complicates an already uncertain future for the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder at Old Trafford. Ugarte had been expected to leave United this summer, having struggled for consistent starts during a difficult spell at the club. He had, however, been a key figure for Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay side, starting all of their World Cup group fixtures.

Serie A clubs had been monitoring Ugarte ahead of a potential move, but those interested parties are now likely to wait for a full medical assessment before making any approach. A lengthy lay-off would significantly reduce his market value and narrow United’s options for recouping funds.

United are still pressing ahead with midfield reinforcements regardless. Ederson is poised to arrive from Atalanta, while West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes remains a firm target — though Tottenham are also keen on the latter and are considered better placed to meet his salary demands.

Financial pressures continue to constrain United’s activity in the transfer market. The club missed out on Elliot Anderson, with Manchester City agreeing a £116 million deal to sign the midfielder from Nottingham Forest.