Man United release footage of midfield enforcer training in gym following recovery from injury | OneFootball

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Manchester United have published new footage of Manuel Ugarte working in the gym as the midfielder continues his recovery from a ligament injury.

The video shows the Uruguay international going through an individual rehabilitation session, offering a positive sign that he is making progress towards a return.

World Cup setback interrupted an uncertain spell

Ugarte suffered the injury while away at the World Cup, bringing his tournament to a premature end and removing him from contention for United.

The ligament problem represented a major setback for a player whose future at Old Trafford was already under scrutiny.

The midfielder had endured a mixed start to his United career. His combative qualities offered value, but he had not secured an undisputed position in the first team before sustaining the injury.

There was also a possibility that Ugarte could have been sold had he remained fit. Instead, his rehabilitation placed any potential departure into the background while United reshaped their midfield options.

United signal steady rehabilitation progress

The club accompanied the video with a short message: “Getting closer every day.”

The footage shows the midfielder completing a series of controlled exercises as part of his individual programme. The club did not provide a precise date for his return to team training or competitive action.

Manuel Ugarte faces a crowded route back

Returning to fitness will only be the first stage of Ugarte’s challenge. United have since bought Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, adding further competition in an area where minutes were already difficult to secure.

All three additions give the Red Devils alternative profiles in central midfield. Ugarte will therefore need to rebuild his fitness while also convincing the coaching staff that his defensive intensity merits a regular role.

His physical approach can still be useful in matches requiring aggression, ball-winning and protection through the middle. However, Baleba’s arrival in particular means that Ugarte’s skill set may not be needed.

Ugarte is clearly moving in the right direction, but United have not yet confirmed when he will rejoin the first-team group.

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