The 25-year-old Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte was left in tears and in severe pain after sustaining a potentially serious knee injury during a recent match. The incident occurred just seconds before the winning goal, with Ugarte being treated on the pitch before being stretchered off shortly before half-time.
The prognosis for Ugarte's injury is not positive, with some speculation that he could be sidelined for many months, if not a year. This unfortunate turn of events could scupper his planned summer transfer to AC Milan, where he would have reunited with his former Sporting Lisbon and United manager Ruben Amorim.
United were planning to sell Ugarte this summer, with the club looking to revamp their midfield in the wake of Casemiro's departure. The Red Devils were planning to sign at least two central midfielders to replace Casemiro and Ugarte, but needed the money generated from his sale to help fund those transfers.
The sale of Ugarte was seen as a crucial step in United's short-term transfer plans, with the club having already brought in Ederson from Atalanta for £35m. However, the injury to Ugarte could now impact the club's ability to sign other midfielders, including Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali and Real Madrid man Aurélien Tchouaméni.
United's transfer battle for West Ham's Matheus Fernandes is also ongoing, with the club facing an £85m bid from Tottenham. The injury to Ugarte could potentially alter the club's priorities and transfer strategy, as they bid to strengthen their midfield and achieve their goals for the season.
