Manuel Ugarte sustained a knee injury during Uruguay’s World Cup defeat to Spain on Friday night.
Uruguay have been knocked out in the group stage at the 2026 World Cup, but for Manuel Ugarte, things got even worse.
After challenging for the ball in one instance, Ugarte suffered a potential ACL tear as he stretched for the ball, with experts pointing out that indications are that he could now be out for between nine and 12 months.
This would mean missing almost the entire 2026/27 campaign, but if this does come to fruition, FIFA will be obligated to help United out.
If Manuel Ugarte’s injury is as bad as feared, what should Man United do?
It is claimed Ugarte could miss 9-12 months through his knee injury.
Manchester United owed money by FIFA for Manuel Ugarte injury
Whether Ugarte is out for 12 months, nine months or a bit less, the fact he was stretchered off, with his head hidden shows that it is serious and he knows it.
But FIFA’s Club Protection Programme will come into play to compensate United for Ugarte’s injury.
The programme compensates clubs by covering the injured player’s salary after the first 28 days of absence, up to a maximum of £120,000-a-week.
Ugarte earned £120,000-a-week, and so United could be due to maximum £5.78m if he misses 12 months.
This will be beneficial and allows United to replace him in the wage book with a player who will be able to contribute.
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United should prioritise the midfield even more after Ugarte injury
Ugarte’s injury does throw a spanner in the works, meaning United won’t be able to sell him this summer and this has cast doubt on the club’s ability to sign a third midfielder this summer.
Ederson and Mateus Fernandes as the first two still leaves United light with Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount the only other senior midfield options available ahead of a season which has four competitions to compete in.
Building a formidable and complete midfield department is 10 times more transformative than a left-back or back-up goalkeeper.
United should just go all in on the midfield now and worry about other positions later, because there are options for those other areas of the pitch already at the club.
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