Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has released an emotional statement after suffering what he described as 'the most serious injury a footballer can face'. Ugarte, 25, sustained damage to his knee ligaments during Uruguay's final FIFA World Cup game on Saturday, a 1-0 group loss to Spain.
The midfielder landed awkwardly while attempting a challenge in the build-up to Alex Baena's goal and was carried off on a stretcher. Following an assessment by Uruguay's medical staff, Ugarte will now travel to Manchester for further evaluation.
Opening up for the first time since sustaining the injury, the former Paris Saint-Germain star turned to social media to address his situation. Ugarte posted on Instagram, via The Mirror: "A few days have passed since everything happened.
"Suffering the most serious injury a footballer can face in one of the most important matches in my country's history, and seeing it end this way without being able to stay on the pitch and support my team-mates until the final whistle, is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
"Hitting rock bottom will make me stronger in every sense, and I truly believe that's the case here. Without a doubt, when life wants you to stop, it finds a way to let you know.
"It's up to me to take the positives from this. Success in life is about starting again every time you fall. I'm incredibly grateful to the Uruguayan federation and United for being there for me from the moment it happened.
"A huge thank you as well to my family, my friends and everyone who has sent me messages of support during this time. I'll be back stronger."
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Ugarte's injury has complicated United's summer transfer strategy, as they had planned to offload him. With the 25-year-old expected to be sidelined for the majority of the 2026-27 season, the Red Devils will face difficulty in securing a buyer.
His unavailability also leaves United short on numbers in midfield, with Kobbie Mainoo the only senior recognized central midfielder on the roster following Casemiro's exit. Michael Carrick's squad are, however, in discussions with Atalanta to acquire Ederson for £35 million ($46.4 million).
Additional targets include West Ham United standout Mateus Fernandes, Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali, and AFC Bournemouth prospect Alex Scott. United were interested in signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, although Manchester City are poised to win the race after agreeing a £116 million ($153.8 million) deal, a record for a British player.
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
