Manchester United says Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte has sustained knee ligament damage after getting hurt in the first half of Uruguay’s 1-0 loss to Spain. Ugarte played all three group matches as Uruguay were eliminated at the World Cup, and the injury no
ATLANTA — Manuel Ugarte left Uruguay’s World Cup match against Spain with more than disappointment still hanging in the air.
Manchester United confirmed on Sunday that the midfielder has sustained knee ligament damage. The injury was picked up in the first half of Uruguay’s 1-0 loss to Spain on Friday, a defeat that ended Uruguay’s tournament at the group stage.
United’s statement said the club is still assessing the problem. “Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale.” The club added: “Everyone wishes Manuel a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way.”
Before the injury struck, Ugarte had played in all three of Uruguay’s group games. His setback lands on a campaign that never found momentum. Uruguay failed to win any of their matches, drawing with unfancied Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, before finishing their run with the loss to Spain.
The tournament also deepened a difficult end to Marcelo Bielsa’s time with the national team. After Uruguay’s exit, Bielsa said he had left nothing for Uruguayan soccer during his stint.
Ugarte’s injury will now add another complication for Manchester United as they turn their attention to the new season. United are set to return to the Champions League after a two-year absence, and Ugarte’s recovery will weigh directly on the squad’s planning for that timeline.
For Uruguay, the group-stage elimination was already a heavy blow. For United, the news means their summer plans will now have to adjust to an injury that could keep a key midfielder on the sidelines before the campaign that brings Champions League football back to Old Trafford.
Manuel Ugarte knee ligament damage Manchester United Uruguay Spain World Cup Marcelo Bielsa Champions League return