Manuel Ugarte, a midfielder for Uruguay, was stretchered off the pitch during his country’s World Cup group stage match against Spain. The incident occurred shortly before half-time, raising concerns about a potential serious knee injury and its implications for his club future.
During the match, Ugarte was involved in a collision while challenging for the ball with his teammate Mathías Olivera and Spain‘s Pedri. Reports indicate that Ugarte‘s studs became caught in the turf, which appeared to jar his knee. He was seen in distress and covered his face with his shirt as he was carried off the field.
The injury occurred just before Spain scored the opening goal. While Uruguay reportedly requested a stoppage of play after Ugarte collapsed, Spain continued their attack, resulting in a goal from Alex Baena. Nicolas de la Cruz was introduced to replace the injured midfielder.
Impact on Manchester United’s Transfer Plans
The injury to Ugarte is expected to impact Manchester United‘s plans for the summer transfer window. The player had reportedly been considered for an exit from Old Trafford, having started a limited number of fixtures last season. He had only started once since Michael Carrick took over in January.
Several Serie A clubs had shown interest in Ugarte, but his potential injury could deter suitors. There are concerns that a serious injury might make it difficult to offload the player, especially if his last competitive appearance ended with him being stretchered off. Manchester United had paid a significant sum for him in 2024, and the club’s ability to recoup that investment could be affected.
United is reportedly looking to revamp its midfield this summer, with the club seeking a replacement for Casemiro and cover for Kobbie Mainoo. Ugarte‘s departure would have likely necessitated another purchase, but these plans may now be on hold pending the assessment of his injury. Tottenham is also reportedly keen on the player and may be better positioned to meet his valuation and salary expectations.
This season has been challenging for Ugarte at club level, with limited starting opportunities. However, he had been a vital player for Uruguay in the World Cup, starting all of their group stage fixtures. Uruguay ultimately lost the match against Spain 0-1 and finished third in Group H, failing to advance to the Round of 32.
Uruguay’s World Cup Exit
The match against Spain, held at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, was the final Group H fixture for Uruguay. The team needed a victory to advance, but the injury to Ugarte was a significant setback. The opening goal for Spain came in the 42nd minute of the first half, when Marcos Llorente delivered a low cross that Alex Baena converted. The shot, described as lacking power, was not cleared by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
Muslera was substituted immediately after the first half. Despite efforts to equalize in the second half, Uruguay struggled to break through Spain‘s defense. In stoppage time, Agustín Canobbio received a direct red card for a rough tackle, further compounding Uruguay‘s difficulties. As a result, Uruguay finished with two draws and one loss, placing third in Group H behind Spain and Cape Verde, and did not advance to the Round of 32.
The Uruguay national team midfielder Manuel Ugarte was injured and shed tears during the World Cup match against Spain on Friday.
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Source: si.com
George Hartwell is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB.org, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with twelve years of reporting experience. He reported on West Country football before national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of the West of England and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Bristol, he watches grassroots football and writes a tactics column. “Tactics tell you more than any scoreline.”