Manuel Ugarte, the Uruguayan midfielder for Manchester United, has successfully undergone knee surgery following a serious injury he sustained during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The club announced that Ugarte is now embarking on a rehabilitation process that is expected to last between 9 and 12 months.
The injury occurred during a group-stage match against Spain, where Uruguay suffered a 1-0 defeat, ultimately leading to their elimination from the tournament. Ugarte confirmed the severity of his condition, stating it is one of the most significant injuries a footballer can face.
Following the injury on June 27-28, Manchester United began assessing treatment options for Ugarte. The club's medical team is now closely monitoring his rehabilitation efforts as he begins the challenging path to recovery.
With such a lengthy recovery period, Ugarte is unlikely to return to action until well into the 2026-27 season. This situation raises concerns regarding Manchester United's midfield depth and potential transfer strategies, especially considering Ugarte's key role since joining the team from Paris Saint-Germain at the start of the 2024/25 season.
