Manchester United are anxiously awaiting news on Manuel Ugarte after the midfielder was stretchered off during Uruguay’s 1-0 World Cup defeat by Spain in Guadalajara.
The 25-year-old twisted awkwardly while attempting a tackle in the build-up to Spain’s winning goal, leaving those watching fearing the worst for the player’s immediate future.
Ugarte was visibly distraught as he departed the pitch, heightening concerns that the injury could prove serious and require a significant period on the sidelines.
United have said they will wait for Uruguay’s medical staff to provide a full assessment before determining the most appropriate next steps for the player.
The timing could not be more damaging, with Ugarte having entered the World Cup widely expected to be moved on this summer, either permanently or on loan.
The £50.8m signing from Paris St-Germain in 2024 has struggled to justify his fee at Old Trafford and did not feature for a single minute after starting the home Premier League defeat by Leeds on 13 April.
A lengthy injury could now throw United’s summer transfer planning into disarray, with questions emerging over how it might affect the finances available for incoming signings.
Thoughts at the club are currently focused on the wellbeing of a player it was hoped would enjoy some good fortune to kick-start his career at Old Trafford.
United have already agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, though plans for the 26-year-old’s medical before pre-season training on 9 July were scrapped after he earned a late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad.
The intention is now for Ederson to complete his medical once Brazil’s World Cup campaign concludes, before returning to Carrington following the mandatory three-week rest period.
United had also been keen on Elliot Anderson but pulled out of discussions when the combined cost of the transfer fee and wages required to sign him from Nottingham Forest proved too steep.
Talks with West Ham over Portugal international Mateus Fernandes have yet to produce an agreement on a fee, with Tottenham also circling the former Southampton man as competition grows.
United additionally rate Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, who travelled with England for their pre-World Cup training camp despite missing out on Thomas Tuchel’s final squad selection.
The club also had a bid rejected by Brighton for Cameroon international Carlos Baleba last summer, underlining the scale of the midfield rebuild they have been attempting to carry out this window.
