Manuel Ugarte sustained a serious injury while playing for Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, leaving Manchester United facing a major loss but still potentially receiving significant compensation from FIFA.
Manchester United is holding its breath waiting for the results of Manuel Ugarte’s injury assessment after the Uruguayan midfielder had to leave the pitch on a stretcher in the 0-1 defeat against Spain in the final matchday of Group H at the 2026 World Cup. If Ugarte is sidelined long-term, the “Red Devils” will not only be affected from a technical standpoint but could also receive millions of pounds in compensation from FIFA.
The accident occurred late in the first half when Ugarte along with Mathias Olivera rushed in to tackle Pedri. In an unfortunate collision with his own teammate, the 2001-born midfielder’s foot got caught in the turf, causing his knee to take a very heavy impact. He lay on the pitch in pain, bursting into tears as he was taken off the pitch on a stretcher by the medical team.
While waiting to determine the extent of Ugarte’s injury, Manchester United also has reason to be worried. The 25-year-old midfielder was originally considered one of the players likely to leave Old Trafford in the summer transfer window to help the team balance its budget and rebuild the midfield. A serious injury could turn all transfer plans upside down.
However, if Ugarte is sidelined long-term, the Old Trafford home side could receive financial support from FIFA through the Club Protection Programme (CPP).
According to FIFA regulations, the CPP program will compensate clubs if a player is injured while on national team duty and must be sidelined for at least 28 consecutive days. The assistance will cover the player’s salary during the treatment period, up to a maximum of approximately £6.6 million per case.
According to data from Capology, Ugarte is earning a salary of around £150,000 per week at Manchester United. If the recovery process spans several months, the amount paid out by FIFA could reach millions of pounds, helping the team ease its financial burden.
In the past, many clubs have also benefited from this program. Newcastle once filed for compensation when Yoane Wissa suffered a knee ligament injury while playing for the DR Congo and had to miss more than three months of action.
Currently, the most important thing for Manchester United remains waiting for Ugarte’s medical test results. If the knee injury is as serious as initially feared, the “Red Devils” will not only lose an option in the midfield but will also be forced to adjust their transfer plans in the summer of 2026, despite the possibility of receiving compensation from FIFA.
