Ugarte tears ACL at World Cup, throwing £50.5m Man United midfielder's future into doubt

Manuel Ugarte faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after scans confirmed he tore his ACL during Uruguay’s 1-0 World Cup group-stage defeat to Spain at the Estadio Akron, casting serious doubt over the Manchester United midfielder’s future at the club.

The 25-year-old was stretchered off in visible distress during the match, which eliminated Uruguay from the tournament. He was subsequently seen leaving the stadium in a wheelchair — a sight that immediately suggested the worst. Reports from Uruguay now indicate scans have confirmed an ACL tear, though Manchester United said in a statement that assessment of the injury remains ongoing.

“Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte has suffered a knee ligament injury whilst representing Uruguay in Friday’s World Cup group-stage match against Spain,” the club said. “Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale. Everyone wishes Manuel a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way.”

Ugarte is set to return to Europe to begin his rehabilitation under the guidance of United’s medical staff.

The timing is particularly damaging for both player and club. Ugarte had struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford since joining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 in a deal worth up to £50.5 million, and had been widely expected to leave this summer. A number of Serie A clubs had been linked with a move for the Uruguayan, who has played under three different United managers — Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim, and Michael Carrick. With an ACL injury typically requiring six to nine months of recovery, any transfer now appears highly unlikely, and Ugarte is unlikely to contribute meaningfully next season.

United’s midfield rebuild had already been a priority heading into the summer, with the club set to return to the Champions League under Carrick. Casemiro has already departed after his contract expired, and the club have agreed a deal to sign Brazil midfielder Ederson from Atalanta for an initial fee of £35 million, with a further £3.8 million in add-ons, on a four-year contract with an option to extend by a year.

Speaking to Tuttosport after receiving a late call-up to Brazil’s squad, Ederson confirmed the move was close to completion. “It’s practically almost all sorted,” he said. “I have to make the most of this moment. I am here and it is a wonderful thing, something you must always live to the fullest.”

For Ugarte, however, the focus now shifts entirely to recovery, with his long-term future at United unresolved.