Man Utd confirm huge injury blow to leave summer transfer plans in tatters

Manchester United have released a statement after their midfield star suffered an injury at the World Cup to spoil their transfer plans

Manchester United have confirmed midfielder Manuel Ugarte has sustained a ‘knee ligament injury’. The international star is expected to return to Europe to swiftly commence his rehabilitation under the supervision of United’s medical team following his injury during the World Cup.

Ugarte was carried off on a stretcher during his team’s 1-0 loss to Spain which knocked them out of the competition. The former Paris Saint-Germain star appeared distraught as he left the pitch, with his reaction instantly suggesting a severe injury.

The 25-year-old now faces a lengthy spell out of action, having been seen in a wheelchair as he exited the Estadio Akron. Reports from Uruguay now indicate that scans have revealed the devastating news of an ACL rupture.

United maintain that the evaluation of the injury continues, though.

They stated: “Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte has suffered a knee ligament injury while representing Uruguay in Friday’s World Cup group-stage match against Spain.

“Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale. Everyone wishes Manuel a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way.”

The development represents dreadful news for both player and club, with Ugarte having appeared poised to depart this summer and any fee brought in to be used to help rebuild the midfield. The Uruguay international has failed to establish himself at Old Trafford since arriving at the club in 2024 for a fee potentially worth £50.5million.

Any potential transfer will now be off the table this summer, with the player, who has previously worked under Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick, unlikely to be fit enough to play a significant role in the coming season. Several Serie A clubs had been vying for his signature.

United’s main focus in the transfer market was to bolster their midfield for Carrick ahead of their Champions League return. The head coach has already lost Casemiro, who left at the end of his contract.

Brazilian midfielder Ederson is poised to join the club from Atalanta. An agreement has been reached to bring the player to the club for an initial fee of £35million, plus an additional £3.8million in add-ons.

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Ederson is set to ink a four-year deal with the club, with an option to extend the contract by a further year.

Speaking after his late call-up to Brazil’s squad following an injury to Wesley, Ederson confirmed that the deal was nearly finalised.

In an interview with Tuttosport, he stated: “It’s practically almost all sorted.” He then added: “I have to make the most of this moment. I am here and it is a wonderful thing, something you must always live to the fullest.”