Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte insists he will be back stronger after “suffering the most serious injury a footballer can face”.

The 25-year-old suffered a knee ligament injury, confirmed by United on Sunday, during Uruguay’s World Cup group-stage match against Spain.

Ugarte is now set for a significant spell on the sidelines for the Red Devils, who begin their 2026-27 Premier League season on August 22 against newly promoted Hull City.

He made 22 league appearances this season for United, who finished third and qualified for the Champions League, though he only started in eight of those matches.

Ugarte failed to score or assist across all competitions, with United knocked out at the earliest stage in both the EFL Cup and FA Cup, and is now set for a long recovery period.

Ugarte said on Instagram: “Suffering the most serious injury a footballer can face in one of the most important matches in my country’s history, and seeing it end this way without being able to stay on the pitch and support my team-mates until the final whistle, is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Everyone wishes @ManuUgarte8 a successful recovery. We’re all with you 

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 28, 2026

“Hitting rock bottom will make me stronger in every sense, and I truly believe that’s the case here.

“Without a doubt, when life wants you to stop, it finds a way to let you know. It’s up to me to take the positives from this.

“Success in life is about starting again every time you fall.”