Manuel Ugarte isn't even 90 competitive minutes into his Manchester United career and he's already had to shake off what at the time looked to be a nasty injury.
As he sat on the Old Trafford pitch in the 43rd minute of United's Carabao Cup match against Barnsley, blood was streaming down his knee in what appeared to be a problem for the new midfielder on his first start for the club.
In a clash with Luca Connell, Ugarte has his foot stepped on by the cleat of the Barnsley midfielder. The immediate aftermath was a confusing few seconds as Ugarte was somehow called for the foul, and then his knee began flowing with blood, which was odd given it didn't look to be the point of contact.
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Ugarte came off the pitch for treatment and there was some concern for the United new boy, but he managed to carry on and was a top performer in the match when it was all said and done.
🤕 A sore one for Ugarte but he’s up and okay. #MUFC CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/A7RGq5LQRR
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) September 17, 2024
The Uruguayan enforcer was critical to United's resounding 7-0 victory over Barnsley to see the Red Devils through to the fourth round of the competition. He would eventually be brought off in the 63rd minute with the game well in hand, likely more as protection than anything else as Marcus Rashford and Diogo Dalot were also hauled off at the same time.
His best moment came after halftime as he won the ball back to spring United's move forward prior to their fourth goal, scored by Alejandro Garnacho.
Having arrived from PSG for $55.6 million (€50m / £42.2m) on Deadline Day this summer, Ugarte factors heavily into United's prospects this season. The club offloaded longtime midfield servant Scott McTominay to make room for the Uruguayan, a signal that Erik ten Hag will place a significant weight on his shoulders.
