Manchester United midfielder pictured in the gym after knee surgery amid surprise Michael Carrick decision | OneFootball

Manuel Ugarte has started on the long path to a full recovery

Manchester United have provided an update on Manuel Ugarte, after the injured midfielder was spotted continuing his rehabilitation following knee surgery.

Ugarte has not played a single minute for Man United this season after his World Cup earlier in the summer was cut short due suffering a ligament injury while representing Uruguay.

The midfielder was stretchered off during Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in group phase, with United soon confirming the extent of his injury.

“Manchester United can confirm that Manuel Ugarte has suffered a knee ligament injury whilst representing Uruguay in Friday's World Cup group-stage match against Spain,” a club statement read.

“Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the best course of treatment and the rehabilitation timescale. Everyone wishes Manuel a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way.”

While Ugarte’s recovery period is still to be determined, he is not expected to return until 2027 - despite being named in Man Utd’s Premier League and Champions League squads for the current campaign.

It will be a watching brief for the Uruguayan as United face Man City in the first Manchester derby of the season on Sunday, though the 25-year-old has started on the long path to a full recovery.

Ugarte, this week, has been pictured in the gym under the watchful eye of the Man United’s medical and performance staff, work hard on his rehabilitation at the club’s Carrington training base.

In three separate posts on social media, United issued words of encouragement to Ugarte.

They wrote: "The hard work continues, keep grafting, we're all behind you", "getting closer every day", and "brick by brick."