FIFA to Cover Most of Manuel Ugarte Salary After ACL Injury

Manchester United have received a major financial boost after Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury while representing Uruguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Uruguayan midfielder tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Uruguay's defeat to Spain, an injury expected to keep him out for several months and potentially up to a year.

Under FIFA's Club Protection Programme (CPP), clubs are compensated when players suffer long-term injuries while on official international duty.

According to multiple reports, FIFA will cover around 80% of Ugarte's reported £150,000 weekly salary while he remains unavailable, easing the financial burden on Manchester United.

The Club Protection Programme only comes into effect once a player has been ruled out for at least 28 consecutive days. Compensation is then paid until the player is medically cleared to return, subject to FIFA's payment limits.

The timing is particularly frustrating for United.

Reports suggest the club had been open to listening to offers for Ugarte this summer as they reshaped their midfield. His long-term injury has effectively ended any immediate transfer plans, leaving United to focus on his rehabilitation instead.

While FIFA's financial support softens the blow, it cannot replace what Ugarte brings on the pitch.

The 25-year-old remains one of Uruguay's most combative midfielders and was expected to play an important role for both club and country this season.

For Manchester United, the compensation is welcome.

Losing a key midfielder for months, however, is a price no amount of insurance can fully cover.