New Manchester United signing Manuel Ugarte was forced off in Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador due to a suspected injury.

Ugarte joined Man Utd during the summer transfer window with the Red Devils paying an initial £42m for the midfielder’s services – a fee that could rise to over £50m based upon performance-related add-ons.

Despite being seen by many as the missing piece in Man Utd’s midfield, Ugarte has been utilised sporadically by manager Erik ten Hag thus far. The Uruguayan has managed just three starts in all competitions thus far, and failed to feature at all in the Premier League clash with Aston Villa or Europa League clash with FC Porto prior to the international break.

The midfielder may be set to sit on the sidelines after the international break too thanks to an injury scare.

Ugarte was forced off in the 82nd minute of Uruguay’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador in the South American FIFA World Cup qualifiers in midweek. The 23-year-old received treatment before eventually being subbed off with a suspected calf injury.

Ugarte’s calf issue has sparked somewhat of an early season injury crisis for Man Utd. Starting midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and young wide player Alejandro Garnacho have also suffered injuries, being forced to withdraw from international duty as a result.

Defensive options are pretty thin on the ground too. Ten Hag looks set to be without three of his full-backs thanks to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, as well as Noussair Mazraoui who is currently recovering from minor heart surgery.

In the heart of defence, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire are also expected to miss the upcoming clash with Brentford in the Premier League after the international break.

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