Ugarte starts lengthy rehabilitation after successful knee operation
By Joel Masibo, July 15, 2026Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has begun the long process of recovery after undergoing successful surgery on the knee injury he sustained during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the club.
The 25-year-old Uruguay international damaged the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee and is expected to spend between nine and 12 months on the sidelines as he completes rehabilitation under the guidance of the club’s medical team.
”On the comeback trail. Wishing you all the best with your recovery, @ManuUgarte8 — we’ll be with you every step of the way,” Manchester United said on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Injury suffered at the World Cup
Ugarte picked up the injury during Uruguay’s final group-stage clash against Spain on June 28, 2026. Uruguay lost the match 1-0, a result that ended the South American nation’s World Cup campaign.
Manchester United announced the following day that the midfielder had suffered ligament damage to his knee and was evaluating the best course of treatment before opting for surgery.
The Uruguayan later described the setback as “the most serious injury a footballer can face.”
Blow for Manchester United
The lengthy recovery period means Ugarte is unlikely to return to competitive action until the latter stages of the 2026-27 season, depending on how his rehabilitation progresses.
His absence leaves Manchester United without one of its key midfielders for much of the campaign and could influence the club’s plans in the transfer market as it looks to maintain depth in the squad.
Ugarte arrived at Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the 2024-25 season and quickly established himself as an important figure for both Manchester United and the Uruguay national team before his World Cup was cut short by the serious knee injury.
The club has however, signed two midfielders; Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa in a bid to strengthen their midfield options ahead of the new campaign.