According to Manchester Evening News, Uruguayan midfielder Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury during the World Cup, and his expected long-term absence will impact Manchester United's transfer plans.

Ugarte's World Cup knee injury will sideline him long-term

Manchester United midfielder Ugarte posted that he suffered "the worst injury a footballer can endure," raising concerns about a prolonged absence.

Manchester United confirmed on Sunday that Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury and is undergoing further assessment to determine the best treatment approach and recovery timeline. However, based on Ugarte's statement, he believes he has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

If confirmed, the 25-year-old will miss most of next season, a significant blow for him personally. He was injured in Uruguay's final World Cup group-stage match against Spain, a defeat that also eliminated Uruguay from the knockout rounds.

While Manchester United's primary focus is supporting Ugarte's recovery, this injury will have far-reaching implications for the club's transfer strategy. Although the club has not actively sought to sell Ugarte, offers for him were expected to be considered this summer.

Funds from selling Ugarte could have been used to sign a third midfielder, but that plan may now be postponed. Manchester United had previously considered Championship players Shea Charles-Diaz and Hayden Hackney, as well as Sander Berge from Fulham, as potential targets.

They have nearly completed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta for up to £38.3 million, with the transfer to be formally finalized after Brazil's World Cup campaign. Simultaneously, Manchester United is pushing hard to sign Matheus Fernandes from West Ham, but is refusing to meet Hammers' asking price of £80 million.

Manchester United's midfielder recruitment may have ended there, but Ugarte's injury has created new complications. The club no longer needs to sell him to raise transfer funds; instead, they must consider whether to sign a replacement to fill the void in their midfield.

If Manchester United successfully signs Fernandes, their midfielder options next season would include Mainoo, Ederson, and Fernandes, with Mount also capable of playing in a deeper midfield role—a position he filled twice late in last season.

This setup may suffice, but there is no doubt that if Ugarte's injury proves as serious as he fears, manager Carrick and sporting director Jason Wilcox will need to reconsider the depth of their midfield following Ugarte's loss. Academy players will also be considered, with Tyler Fletcher being the most developed prospect.

The 19-year-old Fletcher attended the World Cup with Scotland, but the team's early elimination means he will get opportunities during preseason. Manchester United also has Toby Collyer, though the 22-year-old was originally planned for a loan deal this season.

Manchester United will at least receive compensation for Ugarte's injury: because he was injured at an international tournament, FIFA's Club Protection Programme will cover part of his wages. The program covers player salaries for absences of 28 days or more, with a maximum compensation limit of €7.5 million (approximately £6.4 million).

Manchester United will likely receive full compensation for Ugarte, and while this sum is relatively modest in the transfer market, it will still help. Should the club decide to pursue a short-term replacement, these funds could be used for a loan deal, though the current management appears to consistently avoid such arrangements.

In any case, this injury is a cruel blow for Ugarte, who was eager to revitalize his career, and for Manchester United, which is rebuilding its midfield, it has become a significant challenge.

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