Manuel Ugarte achieves personal goal with Uruguay that could inflate his transfer value, despite playing only 21 minutes

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Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte is celebrating after a successful night for Uruguay.

This time last year Manchester United fans were celebrating the deadline day signing of Manuel Ugarte, a midfielder expected to be Casemiro’s successor.

A year on Ugarte remains stuck on the bench behind Casemiro for Manchester United, having struggled to impress.

Ugarte was left out of the Europa League Final line-up, and has not started any of the three opening Premier League games to start the season, having struggled to win over his former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim.

Manuel Ugarte qualifies for World Cup

There is good news for Manuel Ugarte, after he played a part in Uruguay sealing their World Cup qualification.

In keeping with his role at Manchester United, Ugarte was named on the bench by coach Marcelo Bielsa as Uruguay hosted Chile.

He came off the bench in the 69th minute with Uruguay leading 2-0, with fellow substitute Federico Vinas later adding a third goal to seal a 3-0 victory.

Ugarte completed 24 of 26 passes, but did little of note with the game already won by the time he was introduced.

Former Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri was among the starters, playing 71 minutes.

Ugarte’s value could increase

After winning their last two games, Uruguay are positioned in third place in the Conmebol table and have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, regardless of future results.

Concerning Manuel Ugarte, this can only be a positive development, amid his uncertain role in the Manchester United team.

With summer 2025 dominated by United’s battle to get rid of unwanted players, there is a possibility that Ugarte could fall into the same category in 2026, if his club fortunes do not improve.

This is where Ugarte’s role at the 2026 World Cup could help spark some transfer interest in him, keeping his value high.

The tournament would delay a potential sale, but it could be good for Ineos‘ hopes to recoup a fee for him if that is what they want to do.