Man Utd star reveals surprise training methods as speedy injury return targeted

· Mirror

Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been out of action since suffering a serious knee injury at the World Cup

Manuel Ugarte has discovered a psychological approach to managing his lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a severe knee injury at the World Cup. The Manchester United midfielder was hurt following an unfortunate collision with his own team-mate Mathias Olivera during Uruguay's 1-0 loss to Spain.

Olivera got to the ball first before tumbling onto Ugarte's outstretched leg, leaving the midfielder in tears as he was carried from the field on a stretcher. Ugarte headed back to Manchester and had successful surgery before starting his recovery over the summer, though it is still uncertain when he will be ready to make his comeback.

Lengthy spells out injured can prove challenging for players to handle, but the 25-year-old has been consulting with a psychologist to support him throughout the journey. He told ESPN (via Sport Witness): "He helps me a lot because he makes me look beyond the day-to-day.

> "Sometimes you get angry about things that happen during the day which aren't worth it. We always talk a lot about everything, not just sport, but also on a personal level.

> "That helps me become aware of what I've achieved, where I am, and I really enjoy it. The hours fly by because we talk about everything. We talk a lot about books."

Ugarte revealed that he feels the mental aspect has a direct impact on what ultimately unfolds on the pitch. "It's a huge help. Behind an athlete there's a person," he added.

> "How you perform, work and act in sport is directly related to your personal life, so it's something important and I'm very happy to continue working with him."

During Ugarte's spell on the sidelines, FIFA's Club Protection Programme has met his wages after he was ruled out for a minimum of 28 consecutive days.

The initiative covers a player's salary up to a ceiling of €7.5million (£6.6m) until they are deemed fit enough to re-join their club.

United also brought in three midfielders over the summer transfer window in Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba.

The new signings have naturally sparked speculation surrounding Ugarte's future, though he will now need to wait until at least the January transfer window for any potential departure.

After arriving from Paris Saint-Germain for £42million in 2024, the midfielder penned a deal that extends until the summer of 2029.

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