Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has successfully undergone knee surgery following a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 25-year-old is now beginning rehabilitation under the supervision of the club’s medical staff, with a recovery timeline stretching somewhere between 9 and 12 months.
How the injury happened
Ugarte suffered the injury during Uruguay’s group-stage match against Spain on June 27-28. The match ended in a 1-0 loss that knocked Uruguay out of the tournament.
Manchester United confirmed on June 28 that Ugarte had sustained a knee ligament injury and that the club was assessing next steps for treatment.
Ugarte himself acknowledged the gravity of the situation, describing it as “the most serious injury a footballer can face.”
