Manchester United compensation figure revealed after World Cup injury

Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte stands with hands on hips after Man United lose to Arsenal.

Manchester United's compensation figure, paid for by FIFA, has been revealed after one of their players was injured at the 2026 World Cup.

The Red Devils are in the process of conducting an expansive summer rebuild, coping with the departure of veteran player Casemiro and planning to ensure their upturn in form since Michael Carrick's appointment continues.

With the injury endured by one of Manchester United's players in North America this summer, the club is entitled to a hefty fee of compensation - but why, and just how much?

Manchester United compensation figure revealed after Manuel Ugarte injury at the 2026 World Cup

Ugarte will recover from his horror injury, sustained during World Cup action against Spain, back in Manchester. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Manuel Ugarte was injured during Uruguay's defeat against Spain, in his nation's final game of the 2026 World Cup.

The Manchester United man suffered a horror knee injury after a tackle attempt during the clash, which ended 1-0 to Spain.

Ugarte is a vital player for Manchester United's squad depth, and is no stranger to physical duels. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Ugarte was stretchered off the pitch, and Uruguay exited the tournament, but there is a small upside for Manchester United.

A situation so awful will have a silver lining, as FIFA will pay the fee of compensation required for the injury sustained.

In simple terms, this amount will be the salary he is contracted to receive from Manchester United, for the duration of his injury.

With Ugarte expected to be out for nine months, that figure would reach nearly £6 million for the Red Devils to enjoy, and potentially utilise in their summer transfer window budget.

This is possible through FIFA's Club Protection Programme, which was introduced to manage reluctancy from clubs to send their players off to duel on international stages, for the benefit of others.

Michael Carrick could use Ugarte's compensation fee for summer transfer business, with the Uruguayan's salary being fully covered. (Image credit: Getty)

The programme was described as a "landmark moment" in strengthening relationships between clubs and national associations.

The current version of the programme will run until the end of 2026, making Manchester United eligible for its financial benefits.

FIFA describes any serious injury as a "temporary total disablement" which brings the programme into play.

Due to the severity of Ugarte's lay-off, the Red Devils will therefore meet the necessary criteria to receive hefty compensation.

Additionally, the programme caps its salaries covered at £120,000 per week, which aligns perfectly with Ugarte's wages, sitting on Manchester United's books at that exact weekly figure.