Manchester United and Erik Ten Hag have been dealt another injury blow as Manuel Ugarte was withdrawn from Uruguay’s World Cup qualifying match with Ecuador with a muscle problem.
United’s new signing Ugarte, who joined from Paris Saint Germain, has not played under Erik ten Hag regularly and was not used in the last two matches against Porto and Aston Villa.
Injury Worry for Ugarte
But his modest minutes at Old Trafford saw Ugarte handed a starting spot for Uruguay against Ecuador after playing the full 90 minutes in their last match against Peru.
But with the match goalless, the 23-year-old was forced off late with discomfort and asked to be replaced with eight minutes left on the clock, as revealed by Uruguayan outlet Tenfield.
Team doctor Enrique Ramos applied an ice pack to the area, and the Manchester United No. 25 man complained of muscle pain in his right thigh.
Ugarte’s injury is not yet known for its severity, but his availability for Manchester United’s next game against Brentford is now in doubt. It is another injury worry for the Red Devils.
Pay Attention: Get the best tips from our Bet of the Day.
The growing injury crisis for Erik Ten Hag
The injury to Ugarte compounds an already troubled situation at Manchester United, where several key players are carrying fitness problems.
Injury problems have also hit Lisandro Martinez, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Mason Mount, and Harry Maguire.
Erik ten Hag faces selection headaches with long-term absentees such as Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Leny Yoro.
United have had a far from ideal campaign in the 2024/25 campaign and are now 14th in the Premier League.
Despite the poor form, the club’s hierarchy is still backing Ten Hag for now, with speculation over his future continuing to grow.
