Manuel Ugarte was in action for Uruguay on Monday night and in doing so, was withdrawn through a sore-looking injury.
On Monday night, Uruguay made it three wins from three in Copa America with a 1-0 triumph over the USA. Facundo Pellistri played and put in a shift defensively to help the Uruguayan efforts.
Also on the pitch was a midfield target for Manchester United this summer, Manuel Ugarte who caught the eye of the Uruguayan press with plenty of praise heading his way.
Ugarte was like a rock in midfield and the Americans just couldn’t deal with him, that is until he was forced off through injury in the 89th minute.
It was a painful and worrying injury to watch, but now Ugarte has spoken out on how serious it is.
Manuel Ugarte speaks out over injury scare
In the 89th minute, Ugarte tried to tackle Christian Pulisic – something he’d done so well all game. However, in the tackle, he came in hot which saw his right knee twist and bend at an angle which kees are not supposed to.
Upon the first watch, it looks seriously bad and painful with the leg looking like it was millimetres from breaking. However, after the game, Ugarte spoke out and put any concerns to bed.
The Old Trafford target admitted to the press it was a scary moment however added that it isn’t anything to be concerned about.
“I was scared at the time, but luckily it’s nothing serious.”
This will be a relief for the recruitment team within Old Trafford who are in the midst of negotiating a deal to sign Ugarte according to reports.
Ugarte shows exactly why he’s perfect for Manchester United
Against the USA prior to his injury, Ugarte was phenomenal winning all seven of his duels and making four tackles along with clearing one shot off the line.
He is a defence-first midfielder and with Kobbie MainooKobbie Mainoo in midfield, that’s exactly the type of partner that United need to sign.
The PSG man wouldn’t be against doing all the hard work in midfield and therefore allowing Mainoo to play that box-to-box role which he does so well.
After the issues had in midfield – defensively – last season, it’s no surprise a specialist has been targeted and we can’t help but think he’d be an incredible signing.