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Manchester United’s summer transfer strategy has suffered a major setback following Manuel Ugarte’s injury during Uruguay’s World Cup clash on Sunday.

The Uruguayan midfielder, who joined the Red Devils in 2024, had been expected to leave this summer after a series of underwhelming performances. The club’s management group, INEOS, had even agreed to sell him at a reduced price to clear his wages and support the recruitment of a third midfielder, as requested by manager Michael Carrick.

The 20-time English champions have already reached an agreement to sign Ederson, following a recommendation from Casemiro, and remain in negotiations for Mateus Fernandes. Should Tottenham Hotspur swoop in for Fernandes, West Ham United’s Alex Scott has been identified as the backup target.

United’s strategy involved using the funds from Ugarte’s sale to finance the signing of an additional midfielder. Interest in the 25-year-old had emerged from clubs in Turkiye and Italy, but that could diminish if his injury proves serious, according to reports from The Daily Mail.

Beyond midfield reinforcements, Carrick is also keen to bolster other areas of the squad — including the wings, left-back position, forward line, and goalkeeper department. As a result, INEOS may now need to decide whether to focus on signing three midfielders or strengthening multiple positions during this transfer window.

A report stated, “Manchester United are anxiously waiting for updates on Manuel Ugarte’s knee injury after the Uruguay midfielder was carried off on a stretcher during their defeat to Spain in Guadalajara.”

It added, “Although the full extent of Ugarte’s injury in Uruguay’s 1-0 loss to Spain – a result that saw Marcelo Bielsa’s side eliminated at the group stage – is still unclear, the potential for a lengthy recovery has cast doubt on his summer transfer prospects.”

“If that proves to be the case, it may not affect United’s ability to complete deals for Ederson and Fernandes. However, the club’s hopes of adding a third midfielder were heavily dependent on funds raised through Ugarte’s departure.”

“United might now have to put those plans on hold if they also aim to recruit a left-sided player and a backup goalkeeper.”

Physio Scout, a sports injury analysis platform, has reported that Ugarte could have suffered an ACL tear — an injury that might sideline him for at least nine months.