Man Utd might get compensation from FIFA after what happened to Manuel Ugarte in the Uruguay game.
Manchester United might be able to get millions in compensation if Manuel Ugarte ends up out injured for a long time. The 25-year-old midfielder had to be helped off on a stretcher during Friday’s World Cup match between Uruguay and Spain after twisting his knee in an accidental clash with his teammate Mathias Olivera.
Ugarte, who has been linked with leaving Old Trafford this summer, seemed to get his studs caught in the grass at Guadalajara Stadium before Olivera fell on his leg. United are still waiting to find out how bad the injury is.
If Ugarte is sidelined for a long time, United could claim money from FIFA’s Club Protection Programme (CPP). This program helps clubs by covering players’ wages if they get injured while playing for their country and can’t play for their club.
Since 2012, the CPP has covered salaries of players injured on international duty, but there are some rules. The injury must keep the player out for at least 28 days straight, and it has to happen by accident during a game.
The program pays up to £6.6 million in salary while the injured player can’t play for their club. Ugarte reportedly earns £150,000 a week at United, according to Capology.
Newcastle recently used the CPP when Yoane Wissa got a serious knee injury playing for DR Congo last September. The club got help covering his £140,000 a week wages, and Wissa was out for over three months, according to the Daily Mail.
Ugarte hasn’t played much since Michael Carrick took over as interim manager in January, starting only once in the Premier League—in a 2-1 home loss to Leeds, which is the only time United lost at Old Trafford under Carrick.
Earlier this month, AC Milan got the chance to sign Ugarte, reported journalist Nicolò Schira. New Milan coach Ruben Amorim has worked with Ugarte before at Sporting CP and Manchester United. Turkish club Galatasaray has also been linked with him, but this injury might stop any summer move from happening.