New Manchester United signing Manuel Ugarte was sent off in Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador due to a suspected injury.
Ugarte joined Man Utd in the summer transfer window with the Red Devils paying an initial £42m for the midfielder’s services, a fee that could rise to more than £50m depending on performance-related add-ons.
Despite being seen by many as the missing piece Man UtdSo far, manager Erik ten Hag has used Ugarte sporadically in midfield. The Uruguayan has made just three starts in all competitions so far, and has not featured in either the Premier League clash with Aston Villa or the Europa League clash with FC Porto before of the international break.
The midfielder may also sit on the sidelines after the international break thanks to an injury scare.
Ugarte was sent off in the 82nd minute of Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador in South American FIFA World Cup qualifiers in midweek. The 23-year-old received treatment before being substituted with a suspected calf injury.
Ugarte’s calf problem has led to a bit of an early season injury crisis for Man Utd. Starting midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and young winger Alejandro Garnacho have also been injured and have been forced to withdraw from international duty as a result.
Defensive options are also very scarce on the ground. Ten Hag looks like it won’t be three of his sides thanks to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, as well as Noussair Mazraoui who is currently recovering from minor heart surgery.
At the heart of the defence, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire are also expected to miss the upcoming Premier League clash with Brentford after the international break.
