Manchester United are waiting to discover the extent of the injury that forced midfielder Manuel Ugarte to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher during Uruguay’s 1-0 World Cup defeat by Spain in Guadalajara.
Ugarte twisted awkwardly as he tried to make a tackle in the build-up to Spain’s winning goal, sparking fears the 25-year-old, who was distraught as he left the field, has suffered a major problem.
United will wait for Uruguay’s medical staff to give them an update before deciding the best course of action.
Ugarte had gone into the World Cup knowing he was likely to be in the shop window this summer, given United have prioritised revamping their midfield.
The £50.8m arrival from Paris St-Germain in 2024 has not reached the heights anticipated during his time at Old Trafford and did not feature for a single minute after starting the home Premier League defeat by Leeds on 13 April.
It was widely anticipated he would move on this summer, either permanently or on loan.
Now those plans are in doubt, with thoughts at United focused on the wellbeing of a player it was hoped would enjoy some good fortune to kick-start his career.
United have prioritised strengthening the midfield positions this summer and have already agreed a deal with Brazil midfielder Ederson to join the club from Serie A outfit Atalanta when the World Cup comes to an end.
