Man United work on signing 'two midfielders' as extent of Manuel Ugarte injury revealed

Manchester United are planning to step up their pursuit of a new midfielder after Manuel Ugarte was stretchered off against Spain.

The 25-year-old started for Uruguay as they bombed out of the World Cup following a 1-0 defeat to Spain, but was suffered a cruciate ligament tear and was withdrawn.

It has been suggested elsewhere that United's search for a new midfielder will be impacted as they had originally planned to sell Ugarte before making a move.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the midfielder's long-term absence will force the Red Devils to plug a gap in their squad.

Ugarte will undergo tests in Manchester before a clear timeline is set out, but is now expected to miss at least six months, putting an end to speculation about his future.

However, with one less midfielder available to him, Michael Carrick is now determined to get a new signing in the door quickly ahead of the new season.

How will Manuel Ugarte's injury impact Man United?

Football Insider revaled in April that Man United are planning to sell Ugarte amid interest from Newcastle and a number of other clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Those plans have now been dashed, in what could be a blow to Carrick's transfer kitty, as he will now be unable to raise funds for reinvestment in a key area.

However, his injury is expected to have no major impact on their pursuit of midfield signings, with the position now seen as an even bigger priority for the club to strengthen.

"Manuel Ugarte has suffered a really serious injury while away with Uruguay," Brown told Football Insider.

"It looks like he's going to be out of a long time, which is a huge blow for him, but for United, it makes it even more important that they go out and get a new midfielder.

"Ugarte wasn't going to be a big part of their plans, but at the very least, he was another body in a position where they are already lacking depth.

"Now, they have one less player in that position, so when we talk about them going out and getting at least one new player there, it might now have to be two new players.

"We know it's something Man United have been working on, so I now expect them to make some headway with that, because it's more important than ever."

Which midfielders are Man United planning to sign?

Man United's pursuit of a new midfielder this summer is no secret, with a number of players from across Europe having been assessed by the recruitment team.

Atalanta star Ederson is set to be the first through the door in that position, after a deal was agreed between the clubs, but they are still keen to make one or two additions.

Football Insider revealed on 14 June that Mateus Fernandes and Alex Scott both rank highly on Man United's shortlist as they eye alternatives to Elliot Anderson.

Anderson looks set to join cross-city rivals Man City in the coming days, despite having been United's preferred target, but plans are now being made elsewhere.

Fernandes' relegation with West Ham set Man United on alert and they are now hopeful of agreeing a deal, while Scott has been offered a new deal at Bournemouth, but his future is up in the air.