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Manchester United are in line to receive a multi-million pound compensation payout after midfielder Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious injury while representing Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 23-year-old was carried off the field in the 45th minute of Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat against Spain on Saturday, a result that saw La Celeste knocked out of the competition.

Ugarte appeared to be in severe pain after overstretching his left knee while attempting to recover possession in the build-up to Spain’s only goal. He was substituted by Nicolas de la Cruz following the incident.

The Red Devils are awaiting medical confirmation on the extent of his injury, though early reports suggest he may have torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which could sideline him for between nine and twelve months.

If Ugarte is ruled out for an extended spell, Manchester United will be eligible for a substantial compensation payment from FIFA under its Club Protection Programme.

The FIFA Club Compensation Programme provides financial reimbursement to clubs when a player sustains an injury during international duty that keeps him out for more than 28 consecutive days.

According to the scheme, FIFA compensates clubs up to a maximum of £6,470,625 (€7.5 million) per player per incident, payable for a period of up to one year. The calculation is based solely on the player’s fixed salary from his club contract.

The maximum daily compensation rate stands at €20,548 per injury, equivalent to approximately £17,727.79 per day, or £124,094.53 per week at current exchange rates.

With Ugarte reportedly earning £120,000 per week at Manchester United, the club could receive around £6,452,915.56 in compensation from FIFA if the midfielder misses the entire season.

Nevertheless, the compensation would be little consolation for the Premier League side, who were reportedly planning to sell Ugarte during the upcoming summer transfer window. United were also preparing to strengthen their midfield after agreeing a £35 million deal with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Èderson Silva.