Manchester United’s summer transfer window is well underway with Michael Carrick’s first full season as manager looming
Michael Carrick has fewer than two months until his first complete campaign as Manchester United manager gets underway. And the club will undoubtedly support him in the summer transfer market.
Under Carrick’s leadership, United’s squad is set for significant changes this summer. Casemiro’s exit has already created a void that requires addressing. Brazilian midfielder Ederson will partially fill this gap, with his arrival scheduled following a medical in early July.
However, another of United’s summer objectives has been derailed. Manuel Ugarte was anticipated to be offloaded, but he sustained a serious knee injury while representing Uruguay at World Cup 2026.
A summer departure now appears improbable, though United will still be entitled to substantial compensation for this injury as the Manchester Evening News examines the latest transfer developments from Old Trafford.
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Manuel Ugarte compensation
Ugarte picked up a serious knee injury during Uruguay’s final group stage encounter against Spain in Guadalajara shortly before the interval. He was stretchered off in tears as his nation suffered a 1-0 defeat and were eliminated.
Early evaluations suggest this is a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, potentially ruling him out for approximately 9 to 12 months. While the injury hampers United’s summer transfer strategy, it activates a significant financial protection mechanism through FIFA’s Club Protection Programme (CPP).
This scheme functions as a global insurance arrangement intended to shield club sides from the economic strain of compensating players who sustain injuries while on official international duty. FIFA’s policy only becomes active once a player has been ruled out for more than 28 consecutive days owing to an international match incident.
After that 28-day period elapses, FIFA takes on the obligation of covering the player’s basic club wages, worked out at a daily rate until they receive medical clearance to resume full training. The scheme limits coverage at roughly £6.5million per player, per injury, which corresponds to a maximum weekly payment threshold of £120,000.
Since Ugarte’s weekly earnings at Old Trafford stand precisely at that £120k figure, FIFA will essentially cover his complete basic wage throughout his rehabilitation. United will collect approximately £6.5m in reimbursement if he is genuinely absent for the projected timeframe.
Juan Mata becomes owner
Meanwhile, former United player Juan Mata is set to take on an ownership stake at Melbourne Victory, the A-League outfit he presently represents.
The club has formally confirmed that the World Cup winner has committed to becoming a shareholder, with a non-playing role commencing following the conclusion of his playing days.
Mata said: “Australian football has a future I genuinely believe in. From the moment I arrived at Melbourne Victory, I’ve felt the passion of this Club and the potential of the A-Leagues, and I want to be part of building what comes next – not just for a season, but for the long term.
“I have enjoyed so much this past season on the pitch, and committing to Victory as a shareholder is the natural next step. I want to thank everyone associated with the Club and across Australian football for the way they’ve welcomed me.”
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