Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been seen making progress in his recovery from knee surgery, with the club sharing images of him training under the supervision of medical staff at the Carrington training complex.
The 25-year-old suffered the injury while playing for Uruguay in a World Cup group-stage fixture against Spain, a match his country lost 1-0. Ugarte was forced off on a stretcher during the game, immediately raising concerns over the severity of the problem.
United later confirmed the nature of the injury in an official statement. "Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte has suffered a knee ligament injury whilst representing Uruguay in Friday's World Cup group-stage match against Spain," the club said. "Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale. Everyone wishes Manuel a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way."
With a full diagnosis still being finalized at the time, the club stopped short of confirming an exact timeline for his return, though the injury is expected to keep him sidelined for a significant stretch. As a result, Ugarte will not be involved when United host Manchester City in the first Manchester derby of the season on Sunday, a fixture he would ordinarily be expected to feature in given his role in the squad.
Despite the setback, the Uruguayan has already begun the rehabilitation process, working closely with United's medical and performance staff. Photos shared this week show him engaged in gym-based sessions as part of a structured recovery plan, an encouraging early sign for a player who has become a regular fixture in the club's midfield since his arrival.
United have used their social media channels to rally support behind Ugarte as he continues his recovery, posting a series of messages aimed at keeping morale high during what is likely to be a lengthy process. Among the posts were the phrases "the hard work continues, keep grafting, we're all behind you," "getting closer every day," and "brick by brick" — each accompanying updates on his rehabilitation.
The injury represents a blow both for Ugarte personally and for United's midfield options at a time when squad depth is being tested across multiple competitions. His importance to manager Michael Carrick's plans had grown steadily, and his absence leaves a gap that will need to be filled by alternative options in the coming weeks and months.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring Ugarte's recovery is managed carefully rather than rushed, with the club emphasizing patience over any specific return date. The gym sessions represent an early but important phase of what is expected to be a gradual return to full training and eventually competitive action.
United supporters will hope to see further positive updates as Ugarte's rehabilitation progresses, with the club continuing to document his journey back to fitness. In the meantime, attention turns to Sunday's derby against City, a game the Uruguayan will have to watch from the sidelines as he continues the long road toward a full recovery from knee ligament damage sustained on international duty.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.