Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlán is set to take over as Uruguay’s manager on a temporary basis, following Marcelo Bielsa’s exit after a World Cup campaign that was about as successful as a vegan at a barbecue. La Celeste were knocked out in the group stage after two draws, and Bielsa, taking the blame for the disappointing results amid reported dressing room tensions, decided to step aside.

The Uruguayan Football Federation (AUF) president, Ignacio Alonso, told Teledoce that the 47-year-old Forlán is “enthusiastic” about the idea, with an agreement expected within hours. Forlán, who scored 36 goals in 112 international matches and won the Golden Boot in Uruguay’s 2010 World Cup semi-final run, will be in temporary charge until March 2027, also managing the under-20 team. His coaching resume includes stints with Uruguayan top-flight side Peñarol in 2020 and second-division Atenas the following year, which is slightly less glittering than his playing days at Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, and Inter.