Manchester United could land millions from FIFA after shock Manuel Ugarte injury in Uruguay World Cup exit

Manchester United could be entitled to receive millions of pounds in compensation from FIFA after midfielder Manuel Ugarte suffered a potentially serious knee injury during Uruguay's 1-0 defeat to Spain at the FIFA World Cup 2026.The 25-year-old was stretchered off shortly before half-time after injuring his left knee in Guadalajara, with early fears suggesting he may have sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Although United are still awaiting the results of further medical examinations, an extended spell on the sidelines would activate FIFA's Club Protection Programme, which compensates clubs when players suffer long-term injuries while representing their national teams.The injury also comes at a difficult time for United, who had reportedly been open to selling Ugarte during the summer transfer window as they continue reshaping their midfield.

Ugarte's World Cup ends in heartbreaking fashion

Uruguay's decisive Group H clash against Spain was already carrying enormous significance, with Marcelo Bielsa's side needing a result to keep their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive.Instead, the evening ended in disappointment both collectively and individually.

The injury occurred late in the first half as Ugarte stretched to win possession during the build-up to Spain's opening goal. His studs appeared to become caught in the Guadalajara Stadium turf before teammate Mathías Olivera accidentally fell onto his outstretched left leg, causing the midfielder's knee to overextend.

Ugarte immediately collapsed in visible agony and required lengthy treatment before being carried from the field on a stretcher in the 45th minute.

Nicolas de la Cruz replaced him as Uruguay eventually fell to a 1-0 defeat, a result that confirmed their elimination from the tournament.Television pictures showed the Manchester United midfielder covering his face as he left the pitch, highlighting the seriousness of the moment.

While no official diagnosis has yet been confirmed, medical experts have suggested the mechanism of the injury is consistent with a possible ACL tear, an injury that could sideline him for anywhere between nine and 12 months if confirmed.

How FIFA's Club Protection Programme works

Should Ugarte be ruled out for an extended period, Manchester United would be eligible to seek compensation through FIFA's Club Protection Programme (CPP).Introduced in 2012, the programme protects clubs when players are injured while on official international duty.To qualify, the injury must have been sustained during an international match or training session, be classified as an accident, and keep the player unavailable for at least 28 consecutive days.Once those conditions are met, FIFA compensates clubs by covering the player's salary after the initial 28-day period until he is declared fit to return, up to a maximum payout of approximately £6.6 million ($8.71 million USD).Reports differ over Ugarte's current salary, with estimates ranging between £120,000 ($158,430 USD) and £150,000 ($198,037 USD) per week. Based on the lower reported figure of £120,000, Manchester United could receive around £6.45 million ($8.52 million USD) if he were unavailable for a full year.

Even if his wages are closer to the higher estimates, FIFA's compensation remains capped under the programme.The scheme has previously been used by Premier League clubs. Newcastle United successfully claimed compensation after Yoane Wissa suffered a serious knee ligament injury while representing DR Congo last year, covering his wages during a spell of more than three months on the sidelines.

Fresh setback to Manchester United's summer plans

While any FIFA compensation would help offset Ugarte's wages, it would provide little comfort to Manchester United from a footballing perspective.The Uruguay international has struggled for regular opportunities since Michael Carrick took interim charge in January, starting just one Premier League match, a 2-1 home defeat to Leeds, which remains United's only Old Trafford loss under Carrick.

Reports earlier this month suggested AC Milan had been offered the opportunity to sign the midfielder, with manager Ruben Amorim familiar with Ugarte from their time together at Sporting CP and later at Manchester United.

Turkish champions Galatasaray have also been strongly linked with a move.United are also understood to be targeting further midfield reinforcements after agreeing a reported £35 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Éderson Silva.However, if Ugarte's injury proves to be as serious as initially feared, any hopes of completing a summer transfer are likely to disappear, leaving both club and player facing a lengthy period of uncertainty while awaiting the final medical verdict.