Manchester United’s preparations for the 2024/25 season have been disrupted by significant injuries to Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund, with the French defender expected to be out for three months, Soccernet.football reports.
Yoro was spotted on crutches and wearing a protective boot on his foot at United’s training base before their friendly victory over Real Betis, after being substituted in the previous 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The 19-year-old is not expected to return to action until late October at the earliest, while Denmark international Hojlund will be out for six weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained in the same game. According to BBC Sport, he won’t be available until after the September international break.
While United secured their second pre-season win by defeating Real Betis at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, with goals from Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Casemiro, head coach Erik ten Hag faces another fitness concern as Rashford limped off just after the hour mark.
The England international who United fans would be hoping can get back to his immaculate best in the coming season, appeared to damage his ankle and could not carry on with the match.
The Red Devils saw their 2023/24 season significantly affected by a slew of injuries, with key players like Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, and Luke Shaw frequently absent from Ten Hag’s preferred lineup.
It remains to be seen whether Yoro’s injury will hasten United’s pursuit of another center-back during the summer transfer window as Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been consistently linked with a move to Old Trafford, while Matthijs de Ligt is also of interest to United.
Ten Hag’s men will now aim to complete their final summer friendly without any additional injury setbacks. They face Premier League rivals Liverpool early Sunday morning before competing against Manchester City in the Community Shield the following weekend.