Manchester United’s injury crisis deepened after midfielder Manuel Ugarte sustained a muscle injury during Uruguay’s World Cup qualifier against Ecuador. The 23-year-old, who has been used sparingly by Erik ten Hag since his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain, was forced off in the closing minutes of the goalless draw in Montevideo.
Despite playing the full 90 minutes in Uruguay’s previous match against Peru, Ugarte had not featured in United’s last two games against Porto and Aston Villa. However, he started against Ecuador alongside Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde in midfield. Near the end of the game, Ugarte went down in pain and requested to be substituted. According to reports from Uruguayan outlet *Tenfield*, the midfielder complained of muscle discomfort in his right thigh and was seen with an ice pack on the affected area after being treated by Uruguay’s medical staff.
While the full extent of Ugarte’s injury is not yet known, his availability for United’s upcoming Premier League clash against Brentford is now in doubt.
This setback adds to Manchester United’s growing list of injury concerns. The club is already dealing with fitness issues affecting Lisandro Martinez, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Mason Mount, and Harry Maguire. Additionally, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, and Tyrell Malacia are all long-term absentees, while summer signing Noussair Mazraoui recently underwent surgery for heart palpitations and will be out for at least a month.
United have had a difficult start to the 2024/25 season, languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. After finishing eighth last season— their lowest-ever finish in the Premier League— Erik ten Hag’s side has struggled to find form. Despite the poor results and growing injury list, Ten Hag retains the backing of the club’s hierarchy for now, though speculation continues to swirl about his future.