Just over an hour before Manchester United secured a 3-2 victory over Real Betis in San Diego, sources confirmed that the team has suffered significant injury setbacks. Both Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund were forced off the pitch during the first half of the 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Leny Yoro, an 18-year-old rising star, was seen wearing a protective boot and using crutches at United’s training base at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) on Tuesday. This sight sparked concerns about a major injury, and those fears have now been realized. Yoro is expected to be out until the end of October, which means he will miss nine crucial Premier League matches, including high-stakes fixtures against Liverpool, Tottenham, and Aston Villa. Additionally, Yoro will be absent for the beginning of United’s Europa League and Carabao Cup campaigns.
Upon his return to the UK, Yoro will undergo further medical evaluations to ascertain the full extent of his injury. Despite the severity of his condition, he will remain with the United squad for the rest of their US tour, which concludes with a match against Liverpool in Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday. His presence is seen as a morale booster for the team, even though he will not be able to participate on the field.
Rasmus Hojlund, who managed to score United’s opening goal at the weekend, has also suffered a setback. The Danish forward sustained a hamstring injury and will be sidelined until after the September international break. This absence means he will miss the highly anticipated match against Liverpool at Old Trafford on 1 September. Hojlund’s injury comes at a particularly inopportune time as he was expected to play a pivotal role in United’s attacking lineup.
These injuries have prompted Manchester United to reconsider their transfer market strategy. The club may now intensify its efforts to secure Jarred Branthwaite from Everton or Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. United had previously approached both players earlier this summer, and the recent setbacks may accelerate these pursuits. The need for defensive reinforcements has become more pressing, and securing either Branthwaite or de Ligt could provide much-needed depth to the squad.
As United continues its pre-season preparations, these injury setbacks pose a significant challenge. The team’s resilience and depth will be tested as they navigate the upcoming fixtures without key players Yoro and Hojlund. Manager Erik ten Hag will need to make strategic adjustments to cope with these absences, potentially giving more opportunities to younger players and fringe squad members.
Despite the injuries, Manchester United’s pre-season has had its positives. The victory over Real Betis showcased the team’s attacking potential and ability to bounce back from adversity. Players like Amad Diallo and Mason Greenwood have shown promising form, and their continued development will be crucial in the absence of key starters.
The pre-season tour has also provided ten Hag with a chance to assess his squad and identify areas for improvement. The matches against high-quality opposition like Real Madrid and Real Betis offer valuable experience and insight into the team’s current capabilities. These insights will be critical as the team gears up for the start of the Premier League season.
In the short term, United will focus on the remaining pre-season fixtures and ensuring that the squad is as prepared as possible for the upcoming challenges. The medical team will work diligently to support Yoro and Hojlund in their recovery, while ten Hag and his coaching staff will refine tactics and strategies to adapt to the current situation.
Looking ahead, the resilience and adaptability shown by Manchester United in response to these setbacks will be key to their success in the new season. With a combination of strategic signings, effective use of squad depth, and tactical acumen, United can navigate these challenges and aim for a strong start to their Premier League campaign. The support and patience of the fans will also be crucial as the team works through these difficulties and strives to achieve their goals.
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