Manchester United have confirmed that midfielder Manuel Ugarte sustained a knee ligament injury while playing for Uruguay in their World Cup group-stage clash against Spain in Guadalajara on Friday.

The 25-year-old went down after twisting awkwardly during a challenge in the build-up to Spain's winning goal and was stretchered off the pitch. Uruguay's medical staff assessed him on Saturday, and he is now set to travel to Manchester for further tests before United decide on the best course of treatment.

Reports from the Uruguayan media suggest Ugarte has damaged his cruciate ligament — an injury that would sideline him for several months. United, however, are waiting for their own medical evaluation before drawing any conclusions.

"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," the club said.

Ugarte's future in doubt

Ugarte arrived at Old Trafford from Paris St-Germain in 2024 for £50.8 million but has struggled to replicate the form that made him one of Europe's most sought-after midfielders. His last appearance came when he started the Premier League home defeat against Leeds on 13 April.

It had been widely expected that the Uruguayan international would leave this summer — either on a permanent basis or on loan — with United making a revamp of their midfield a top priority. Those plans are now uncertain, with the club's primary concern shifting to the player's wellbeing.

United's midfield rebuild

United have already agreed a £35 million deal to sign Atalanta's Ederson, though the 26-year-old's planned medical before pre-season training begins on 9 July was postponed after he received a late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad. The club now expect him to complete his medical once Brazil's campaign ends, followed by the mandatory three-week rest period before he reports to Carrington.

United had also shown interest in Elliot Anderson but withdrew from negotiations after the combined cost of his transfer fee and wages at Nottingham Forest proved prohibitive. Talks with West Ham over Portugal international Mateus Fernandes have yet to produce an agreement, with Tottenham also pursuing the former Southampton midfielder.

United rate Bournemouth's Alex Scott highly — the midfielder was among four players who trained with England ahead of the World Cup despite not making Thomas Tuchel's final squad. The club also had a bid rejected by Brighton last summer for Cameroon international Carlos Baleba.

Whether a long-term absence for Ugarte will affect United's available transfer budget remains to be seen.