Manuel Ugarte's Injury Threatens to Reshape Manchester United's Transfer Plans

Manchester United are anxiously awaiting news on Manuel Ugarte's injury after the Uruguayan midfielder was stretchered off during their loss to Spain in Guadalajara.

Ugarte left the field in tears, visibly twisting his left knee, immediately raising concerns about a serious ligament injury.

United released a statement on their official website, saying: "Unfortunately, our midfielder had to be stretchered off just before halftime, visibly in pain, and was replaced by Nicolas de la Cruz. The extent of his injury is yet to be determined. We wish Manu a speedy recovery and hope to see him back in action soon."

While Ugarte's health is a top priority for United, the injury could potentially impact the club's transfer plans this summer.

United were reportedly prepared to listen to offers for Ugarte, who has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter since his £50.5 million arrival from Paris Saint-Germain two years ago.

Last season, he made just 10 starts across all competitions, as Ruben Amorim preferred to deploy Bruno Fernandes alongside Casemiro in central midfield, and his successor Michael Carrick reinstated Kobbie Mainoo as the Brazilian's partner.

United began a midfield overhaul this summer following Casemiro's departure from Old Trafford as a free agent. The club has already agreed to sign Ederson from Atalanta for £39 million once he returns from the World Cup with Brazil, and is in advanced talks with West Ham for Matheus Fernandes.

The Hammers value Fernandes between £80 and £85 million and are also negotiating with Tottenham for the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder. United will need to convince the London club to sell him to them, with the player's personal terms reportedly not an issue.

If United fail to sign Fernandes, Bournemouth's Alex Scott is believed to top the list of alternatives, which also includes Aurelien Tchouameni, Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton.

Although the extent of the injury Ugarte sustained in Uruguay's 1-0 loss to Spain – a result that eliminated Marcelo Bielsa's side in the group stage – is still unknown, the possibility of a lengthy recovery period casts doubt on his potential sale this summer.

In such a scenario, it is unlikely to affect United's ability to pay for both Ederson and Fernandes. However, the club had hoped to bolster the squad with a third midfielder if the budget allowed, which largely depended on the funds they could receive for Ugarte.

United may now have to put those plans on hold if they also aim to sign a left-winger and a backup goalkeeper.

The club will be entitled to compensation from FIFA's Club Protection Programme, which pays up to £120,000 per week of a player's salary if they are injured during international duty.