Manchester United confirm player has suffered 'serious injury' that could disrupt transfer plans

Manchester United have released a heartbreaking statement confirming a player has suffered a serious knee ligament injury.

While hundreds of the best football players across the globe are currently busy competing at the World Cup, clubs are busy working on transfer deals ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Unlike many of the other European leagues, the transfer window for for Premier League clubs officially opened on June 15, allowing several deals to be completed ahead of pre-season.

Of course, for all Premier League clubs there is a risk that players that they are planning on buying or selling could be injured while at the World Cup in a nightmare scenario.

And that is exactly what has happened for Manchester United, as it has been confirmed that Manuel Ugarte has suffered a devastating injury.

The 25-year-old was carried off on a stretcher as Uruguay were knocked out of the World Cup following their 1-0 loss to Spain in their final Group H fixture.

Ugarte was clearly in pain as he had his hands on his head and his shirt pulled over his face as he exited the pitch following a challenge on Spain midfielder Pedri late in the first half.

Immediately, United and Uruguay fans feared the worst, and it has now been confirmed that the midfielder has suffered a serious knee ligament injury that could sideline him for a significant amount of time.

"Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte has suffered a knee ligament injury whilst representing Uruguay in Friday's World Cup group-stage match against Spain," United confirmed in a statement.

"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."

Although it is not known exactly how long Ugarte will be out for, several outlets have reported that the injury will likely lead to a recovery lasting between 9-12 months.

Ugarte is one of 13 United players selected to represent their countries at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside the likes of captain Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and England's Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford.

Manuel Ugarte injury set to impact Man United summer transfer plans

Since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £43.1m, plus a further £8.6m in add-ons, Ugarte has find a regular starting spot at United.

The Uruguayan made just six appearances in United's final 16 Premier League matches, starting only one.

It has therefore been widely speculated that Ugarte could leave United this summer should a suitable deal become available.

READ MORE: Scotland World Cup star in line for shock Man Utd move

Of course, the devastating knee injury rules out any chances of Ugarte leaving Old Trafford this summer, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming that the news 'could impact summer plans'.

But, it is also likely that the news will impact United's planned incomings this summer, as they now face the reality of needing to replace both Ugarte and Casemiro, who has left the club following the expiration of his contract.

United could then step up their pursuit of several midfield targets, as they continue to work on a on a deal to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, despite competition from fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Southampton's Shea Charles are other midfielders that United could launch a move for having been linked with then both in recent weeks.