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Man Utd star Manuel Ugarte issues update on 'most serious injury a footballer can face'

Manuel Ugarte is expected to miss most of next season for Manchester United after sustaining a knee ligament injury during Uruguay's final game at the World Cup

[Uruguay's midfielder #05 Manuel Ugarte leaves the pitch after being injured during the 2026 World Cup Group H football match between Uruguay and Spain at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan on June 26, 2026. (Photo by Alfredo ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images)]

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Manuel Ugarte had to be stretchered off(Image: Alfredo ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte has posted an emotional statement after suffering 'the most serious injury a footballer can face'. Ugarte, 25, injured his knee ligaments during Uruguay's final game at the World Cup on Saturday, a 1-0 defeat to Spain.

The midfielder twisted awkwardly while making a challenge in the build-up to Alex Baena's goal and was taken off on a stretcher. After being assessed by Uruguay's medical team, Ugarte will now travel to Manchester to undergo further tests.

Speaking for the first time since getting injured, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star has taken to social media. Ugarte wrote on Instagram: "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.

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"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."

Who should Manchester United sign this summer? Have your say in the comments section.

Ugarte's injury has thrown a spanner in the works of United's summer transfer plans, as they intended to sell him. With the 25-year-old likely to be ruled out for most of the 2026-27 season, the Red Devils will struggle to find a buyer.

His absence also leaves United light on numbers on midfield, with Kobbie Mainoo the only senior recognised central midfielder on the books following Casemiro's departure. Michael Carrick's side are, though, in talks with Atalanta to sign Ederson for 35million.

Other targets include West Ham star Mateus Fernandes, Newcastle ace Sandro Tonali and Bournemouth youngster Alex Scott. United were keen on signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, although Manchester City are set to win the race after agreeing a 116m deal, a record for a British player.

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