Former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan has been appointed to a highly sought-after managerial role.

On Sunday, the Uruguayan Football Association confirmed that Forlan, regarded as one of the country’s finest strikers, has been named interim head coach of the national team following the departure of Marcelo Bielsa.

Bielsa’s Uruguay entered the World Cup with great expectations but suffered a shock early exit from the tournament.

Uruguay finished third in their group with only two points, trailing behind Spain, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia, and were eliminated before reaching the knockout rounds. Reports suggested there were internal tensions within the squad, including issues involving Manchester United midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

Ugarte sustained an ACL injury that will keep him out of action for several months. Although United had planned to sell him, the move has been halted as he focuses on recovery.

After Bielsa’s resignation, Forlan took charge. He will manage the Under-20 side during the World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan while simultaneously serving as interim coach of the senior team until March 2027.

Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) president Ignacio Alonso appeared on the programme Polideportivo on Teledoce and stated, “We have the opportunity to bring him in, in this case, to the Under-20 National Team.”

He added, “Having Diego within the setup, with his wealth of experience, having played for some of the best clubs in the world, being exposed to numerous coaching philosophies, and possessing his own approach—as a former national team player and a coach with top-flight experience—I believe this is a great opportunity.”

“He’s very enthusiastic about it,” Alonso remarked.

The AUF has left open the possibility of Forlan being appointed permanently if he performs well in his interim role.

“We’re appointing an Under-20 coach who will also oversee the senior team’s fixtures. The future will depend on how the assessments turn out,” Alonso explained.

Forlan joined Manchester United in 2002, becoming part of a formidable attacking lineup that included Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Dwight Yorke, and Andy Cole.

He made 98 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 17 goals during his time at Old Trafford.

Among his most memorable moments were a brilliant brace against Liverpool in a 2–1 away win and decisive goals against Chelsea in both the League Cup and Premier League.

Forlan departed United in August 2004, moving to Spain to play for Villarreal and later Atletico Madrid, where he enjoyed tremendous success.

At the 2010 World Cup, Forlan was a standout performer, scoring five goals and leading Uruguay to the semi-finals. The former United star received the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player.