Manchester United are awaiting further information on the injury suffered by Manuel Ugarte during Uruguays World Cup defeat to Spain, with concerns growing after the midfielder was carried off on a stretcher. The 25-year-old was forced out of Fridays last-32 clash in Guadalajara after appearing to twist awkwardly while attempting a challenge in the build-up to Spains winning goal.Ugarte left the field visibly distressed, and United will now assess the situation alongside Uruguays medical staff before determining the next steps.Table of ContentsUnited await injury updateMidfield rebuild remains a priorityAlternative targets being consideredUnited await injury updateThe midfielders injury came at a difficult moment in his career, with uncertainty already surrounding his future at Old Trafford.Ugarte joined United from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 for �50.8 million but has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.After featuring in the Premier League defeat to Leeds on 13 April, he did not play another minute for the club during the remainder of the campaign.There had been an expectation that the Uruguay international could leave this summer, either permanently or on loan, as United look to reshape their midfield options.Any serious injury would complicate those plans and leave both club and player facing an uncertain period.3EWEBNR Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera (23) fails to make a save during the World Cup Group H soccer match between Uruguay and Spain in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)Midfield rebuild remains a priorityUnited have already identified midfield as a key area for improvement ahead of the new season.The club have agreed a �35 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, although the Brazilians participation at the World Cup delayed plans for an early medical.The 26-year-old is now expected to complete the move once Brazils tournament concludes before taking the required post-season break.United also explored a move for Nottingham Forests Elliot Anderson but cooled their interest due to the financial package required to complete a deal.Discussions with West Ham over Portugal international Mateus Fernandes are ongoing, while Tottenham are also monitoring the situation.Alternative targets being consideredAlongside Fernandes, United continue to assess a number of midfield options.Bournemouths Alex Scott remains highly regarded at Old Trafford after another impressive season, while the club also retain an interest in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba after seeing a bid rejected last year.The extent of Ugartes injury could yet influence Uniteds transfer strategy, particularly if the midfielder faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Topics Manchester United F.C. Manuel Ugarte Uruguay National Football Team World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026: Full fixtures, dates, games, schedule and results from FIFA football finals Ben Miller 27th June, 2026 Neymar: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, results, kick off times, confirmed injury news updates, full Brazil squad Ben Miller 27th June, 2026 Kylian Mbappe: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full France squad Ben Miller 27th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Who makes the team of the group stage? 101 GreatGoals 27th June, 2026 Marcelo Bielsa takes blame for Uruguay World Cup exit: I leave nothing 101 GreatGoals 27th June, 2026 Uruguay 0-1 Spain: Report, result and goals as La Celeste crash out of World Cup Mitch Fretton 27th June, 2026
