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Man Utd waiting on Ugarte injury after he leaves pitch on stretcher

Q: What is this sports story about?

Manchester United are waiting to discover the extent of Manuel Ugarte's injury after the midfielder was stretchered off during Uruguay's World Cup defeat by Spain.

Q: Who published this story?

This story was published by BBC Sport on June 27, 2026 and curated on Africa Front.

Q: What related topics does this story cover?

African Technology, Arts & Culture, African Football, Trade & AfCFTA, Infrastructure, South Africa News

June 27, 2026

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Man Utd waiting on Ugarte injury after he leaves pitch on stretcher

Published27 June 2026

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.

Man Utd's midfield issues

United have prioritised strengthening their midfield this summer, with the expectation at least two or three new players would be added.

The club have already agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta's Ederson. However, plans for the 26-year-old to have his medical before the start of pre-season training on 9 July had to be scrapped when Ederson earned a late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad.

Now the intention is for Ederson to have his medical once Brazil's campaign is over and then return to Carrington after the mandatory three-week rest period.

United had been keen on Elliot Anderson but backed out of discussions when the immense cost, both transfer fee and wages, they would have to pay to get him out of Nottingham Forest became clear.

Talks with West Ham over Portugal international Mateus Fernandes have yet to lead to an agreement over a fee, with Tottenham also keen on the former Southampton man.

Manchester United also rate Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who was one of four players who travelled with England for their pre-World Cup training camp despite missing out on selection in Thomas Tuchel's squad, and they had a bid turned down last summer by Brighton for Cameroon international Carlos Baleba.

It remains to be seen if a lengthy injury to Ugarte would affect the finance United have available to buy players.

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