Aayush Pathak
Manchester United has been dealt a significant blow ahead of the new season, as new signing Leny Yoro has been ruled out for approximately three months due to a foot injury. Striker Rasmus Hojlund will also miss six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during the same pre-season match against Arsenal, which ended in a 2-1 defeat for United.
Injury Details and Impact on the Squad
Yoro, who joined Manchester United from Lille in a deal worth up to £58.9 million, was forced to leave the pitch in the 35th minute of the game against Arsenal. He was seen using crutches and wearing a protective boot on his left foot, raising concerns about a potential fracture.
Sources indicate that Yoro may have suffered a fractured metatarsal and could require surgery. His absence will mean missing nine Premier League matches, including crucial fixtures against Liverpool, Tottenham, and Aston Villa, as well as the start of United’s Europa League and Carabao Cup campaigns.
Hojlund, who had scored United’s opening goal in the match, exited in the 16th minute due to a hamstring issue. Initially believed to be a minor setback, further evaluation revealed that he will be sidelined until after the September international break, meaning he will also miss the match against Liverpool on September 1.
Managerial Concerns and Future Signings
The injuries come as a significant setback for manager Erik ten Hag, who is looking to improve on last season’s disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League. Ten Hag had already expressed concerns about the team’s injury history, which saw 66 different injuries last season. The latest developments have intensified the urgency for United to bolster their squad, particularly in defense.
With Yoro’s injury, United’s interest in strengthening their defensive line is likely to accelerate. The club had previously pursued Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt. Given the current circumstances, it would be surprising if United does not add another defender before the transfer window closes.
Recent Matches and Upcoming Fixtures
In their recent match against Real Betis, which ended in a 3-2 victory for United, further injury concerns arose as Marcus Rashford was forced off with an ankle injury, and Antony was withdrawn due to a hand problem. Both substitutions were deemed precautionary, but the mounting injury list is a cause for concern as United prepares for the upcoming season.
Looking ahead, United is set to face Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 10, followed by their Premier League opener against Fulham on August 16. With key players like Yoro and Hojlund sidelined, the team will need to adapt quickly to ensure a strong start to the season.
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