According to the Manchester Evening News, Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury during the World Cup, and his expected long-term absence will impact Manchester United's transfer plans.
World Cup knee injury sidelines Ugarte for an extended period
Manchester United midfielder Ugarte posted that he had suffered "the worst injury a player can face," heightening concerns about a prolonged absence.
Manchester United confirmed on Sunday that Ugarte has sustained a knee ligament injury and is currently undergoing further assessment to determine the best treatment plan and recovery timeline. However, based on Ugarte's statement, he believes he has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
If confirmed, the 25-year-old will miss most of next season, which is undoubtedly a significant setback for him. He was injured in Uruguay's final World Cup group stage match against Spain, a defeat that eliminated Uruguay from the tournament.
While Manchester United's immediate priority is supporting Ugarte's recovery, this injury will have cascading effects on the club's transfer strategy. Although the club had not actively pursued selling Ugarte, it was open to entertaining offers for him this summer.
The revenue from a potential Ugarte sale could have funded a third midfielder signing, but that plan is now uncertain. Manchester United had previously targeted Championship midfielders Shea Charles-Diaz and Hayden Hackney, as well as Fulham's Sander Berge, as potential acquisition options.
They have nearly completed the signing of Ederson from Atalanta for up to £38.3 million, with the deal set to be finalized after Brazil's World Cup campaign concludes. Meanwhile, Manchester United are also aggressively pursuing Matheus Fernandes from West Ham United but are unwilling to meet their £80 million valuation.
Manchester United's midfield recruitment appeared likely to conclude there, but Ugarte's injury creates a new challenge. The club no longer needs to sell him to generate transfer funds; instead, it must assess whether to sign a replacement to cover his absence.
If Manchester United successfully sign Fernandes, next season's midfield options will include Mainoo, Ederson, and Fernandes, with Mount also capable of playing in a deeper role—a position he filled twice at the end of last season.
Such a setup may suffice, but if Ugarte's injury proves as severe as he suspects, manager Carrick and football director Jason Wilcox must address midfield depth concerns. Manchester United academy players are also under consideration, with Tyler Fletcher being the most developed prospect.
The 19-year-old Fletcher featured in the World Cup with Scotland, but Scotland's early elimination means he will have opportunities in pre-season. Manchester United also has Toby Collyer, though the 22-year-old was originally slated for a loan move this season.
Manchester United will receive some benefit from Ugarte's injury: as he was injured during international duty, FIFA's Club Protection Programme will cover part of his wages. The programme provides salary compensation for injuries lasting 28 days or longer, though compensation is capped at €7.5 million (approximately £6.4 million).
Manchester United will likely receive full compensation for Ugarte, and while this amount is modest relative to transfer market values, it provides some financial relief. Should the club opt for a short-term replacement, this money could fund a loan signing, though current management appears reluctant to pursue such arrangements.
Regardless, Ugarte's injury is a cruel setback for a player eager to revive his career and creates a significant problem for Manchester United as they rebuild their midfield.
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