Manuel Ugarte was stretchered off in tears during Uruguay's 1-0 defeat to Spain at the World Cup and the Manchester United midfielder has now shared an update on his recovery
Manuel Ugarte.
Maneul Ugarte suffered a devastating injury(Image: Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Manuel Ugarte has received backing from his Manchester United colleagues following an update on his recovery from injury. The 25-year-old is facing a lengthy spell out of action after being carried off on a stretcher during Uruguay's 1-0 loss to eventual champions Spain in the recent FIFA World Cup.
That defeat and setback were made worse by another crushing blow, as it dashed the South American side's dreams of progressing to the knockout rounds. The midfielder picked up the knock following an accidental collision with his own colleague as he and Mathias Olivera both went for the ball late in the opening period.
Olivera got to the ball first and, in the process, tumbled onto the United star's outstretched leg. The unfortunate incident left Ugarte being stretchered away in floods of tears.
Three professional football players in red uniforms and white shorts, possibly in a competitive match, appear contemplative as they stand together on the field, with a large crowd in the background.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 13: Luke Shaw of Manchester United and Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United look dejected after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Old Trafford on April 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)(Image: Getty )
The Red Devils confirm he has had successful surgery and has started the rehabilitation phase of his recovery. It remains uncertain when he will be ready to make his comeback.
And the ex-Sporting ace has now provided an update on Instagram. "Recovery. Rebuild. Rise," he wrote in the caption alongside several recent snaps of him during his recovery.
Amongst the colleagues to offer words of encouragement in the comments was Mason Mount. The fellow midfielder wrote: "With you brother!"
Manuel Ugarte reacts
Manuel Ugarte could be out injured for some time(Image: Getty Images)
Luke Shaw was another player to send his support. The 31-year-old wrote: "Let's go, Manu," alongside three love heart emojis.
Amad Diallo also expressed his support - simply replying with two love heart emojis on the post.
FIFA's Club Protection Programme will cover Ugarte's wages if he is sidelined for at least 28 consecutive days. The initiative pays the salary of an injured player up to a maximum of €7.5m (£6.6m) until they are declared fit to return for their club.
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The Reds had intended to bring in three midfielders during the summer transfer window; however, this was partially dependent on United securing a buyer for Ugarte.
This now presents a problem as Ugarte's injury means he is likely to remain at United until at least the January transfer window. The Reds have already recruited two new midfielders in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Further transactions are anticipated at Old Trafford before the summer window shuts on September 1, but the Reds will also need to offload players.