Manchester United have confirmed that Manuel Ugarte damaged the ligaments in his left knee during Uruguay’s World Cup defeat to Spain.
Ugarte was stretchered off in tears in Guadalajara after appearing to twist his knee, immediately raising concerns that the 25-year-old may have suffered a serious injury.
It’s unclear at this stage which of the ligaments Ugarte has damaged, but the club have issued a statement saying that the injury will be assessed before it’s known what treatment the midfielder needs and how long he is expected to be out of action.
It read: ‘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.
‘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.’
While Ugarte’s wellbeing will be foremost in United’s thoughts, the injury could potentially impact the club’s transfer plans this summer.
Man United could be forced to rethink their midfield rebuild after Manuel Ugarte suffered knee ligament damage in the World Cup
The Red Devils have been locked in talks with West Ham over their £80million-rated midfielder Mateus Fernandes
It was widely understood that United would listen to offers for Ugarte who has struggled to hold down a regular place since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £50.5million two years ago.
He made just 10 starts in all competitions last season as Ruben Amorim preferred to play Bruno Fernandes alongside Casemiro in the midfield pivot, and his replacement Michael Carrick then recalled Kobbie Mainoo to partner the Brazilian.
United have embarked on a midfield rebuild this summer following Casemiro’s departure from Old Trafford as a free agent. They have agreed a £39million deal with Atalanta to sign Ederson after he returns from the World Cup with Brazil, and are locked in talks with West Ham over a deal for Mateus Fernandes.
The Hammers value Fernandes between £80-85million and are also in negotiations with Tottenham for the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder. United will have to convince the Londoners to sell to them, with the player’s personal terms not thought to be a problem.
If United lose out on Fernandes, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is believed to head a list of alternatives that includes Aurelien Tchouameni, Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton.
Although the extent of the injury Ugarte suffered in Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Spain – which eliminated Marcelo Bielsa’s side at the group stage – is still unknown, the possibility of lengthy rehab has cast doubt over the prospect of him being sold this summer.
In that case, it is unlikely to impact United’s ability to pay for both Ederson and Fernandes. However, the club were hoping to strengthen the squad by adding a third midfielder if there is room in the budget, and that was largely dependent on any money they could recoup for Ugarte.
United may now have to shelve those plans if they also want to bring in a left-sided player and back-up goalkeeper.
They will be due some compensation from FIFA’s club protection programme which pays up to £120,000-a-week of a player’s salary if he is injured on international duty.
