Manuel Ugarte was forced off the pitch in tears during Uruguay's World Cup match against Spain, following what appeared to be a knee injury. The midfielder was carried off on a stretcher, leaving Manchester United with concerns over his fitness and the potential impact on their summer transfer plans.
Ugarte, 25, sustained the injury in the first half of the crucial World Cup fixture. The incident occurred as he pursued Spain's Pedri, and the midfielder was seen covering his face and crying as medical staff attended to him.
The setback places an immediate focus on Manchester United's planned midfield rebuild under permanent manager Michael Carrick. The club had been looking to sign three new midfielders this summer, with the potential sale of Ugarte, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain for £50 million in 2023, seen as a key factor in financing the third acquisition.
A significant injury to Ugarte would force the club to re-evaluate their transfer strategy and potentially seek alternative financing options. This comes as Manchester United has already secured a deal for Ederson of Atalanta, demonstrating a swift approach to early market activity. This mirrors their approach from the previous year with signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
The club is also reportedly involved in a potential bidding war for Portuguese star Matheus Fernandes, with West Ham and Tottenham among the interested parties. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring the situation. Fernandes is considered within United's price range, unlike previous target Elliot Anderson, whose valuation has reportedly surpassed £100 million, leading him towards a move to Manchester City.
The potential £126 million deal for Fernandes highlights the high transfer fees being quoted this summer. Manchester United is currently in talks with West Ham regarding Fernandes but has yet to submit a formal offer. The player's personal terms are not expected to be an obstacle.
Should a move for Fernandes prove difficult, cheaper alternatives like Bournemouth's Alex Scott and his teammate Tyler Adams are reportedly on Manchester United's radar. Other midfielders being monitored include Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, and Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, though the latter is understood to wish to remain at his current club. Interest in Sandro Tonali appears to have waned, with Manchester City and Tottenham showing strong interest in the Italian, who has seen a £75 million bid rejected by Newcastle.