In a major setback for Manchester United, the club has been hit with a double injury blow just weeks before the new season kicks off. New signing Lenny Yoro and striker Rasmus Hojlund are both set for spells on the sidelines, adding to manager Erik ten Hag’s growing list of concerns. Marcus Rashford was also substituted for injury concerns.
Leny Yoro’s Early Setback
Leny Yoro, who joined United this month, suffered a foot injury during a pre-season friendly against Arsenal. The young defender had shown promise during the pre-season matches, but his progress has been halted with an injury expected to keep him out for around three months. This is a significant blow for United, who had hoped Yoro could bolster their defensive options heading into the new campaign.
Rasmus Hojlund’s Hamstring Woes
Rasmus Hojlund, another new acquisition, was also injured in the same match against Arsenal. The striker, who had just found the net, was forced off due to a hamstring injury. Hojlund’s absence for approximately six weeks adds to the mounting injury concerns for United, especially after a season where the team struggled with consistent availability of key players.
Manchester United Injury Woes Continue
For Erik ten Hag, this news is all too familiar. Last season, the Dutch manager often cited injuries and a lack of consistency in team selections as major factors behind United’s struggles in the Premier League. With key players unavailable at crucial moments, maintaining momentum and tactical cohesion became a significant challenge.
As the injuries mount, Ten Hag and his coaching staff face the difficult task of reshaping their plans for the opening weeks of the season. The club’s medical team will be working around the clock to get Yoro and Hojlund back to fitness as quickly as possible.
Transfer Market Moves
In light of these injuries, Manchester United are reportedly accelerating their search for reinforcements. According to the Daily Mail, the club is eyeing potential signings in both defense and attack. Mathijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich and Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton have been linked as defensive targets, though no deals have been finalized.
In attack, despite the summer signing of Joshua Zirkzee, United are rumored to be interested in Brentford’s Ivan Toney. The club’s interest in strengthening their attacking options suggests a proactive approach to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles in front of goal.
Pre-Season Performance and Ten Hag’s Vision
Despite the injury setbacks, United’s pre-season campaign has shown positive signs. In their latest outing, the Red Devils secured a 3-2 victory over Spanish side Real Betis, with goals from Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Casemiro. The performance highlighted the depth and potential within the squad, even as injuries challenge the team’s stability.
After the match, Ten Hag emphasized the importance of aggression and intensity, both with and without the ball. He told MUTV, “What we want to achieve is to be very proactive and aggressive. It doesn’t matter if sometimes we are high [up the pitch] or sometimes in a lower block. We have to be very aggressive, and in order to get this, we need to start the press at certain points and all be on one page.”
Ten Hag’s vision for a high-intensity, aggressive style of play requires all players to be in sync, which makes the injuries to Yoro and Hojlund all the more challenging. However, the team’s recent performances suggest they are moving in the right direction under his guidance.
Looking Ahead
As the new season approaches, Manchester United fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for Yoro and Hojlund. The club’s transfer activity in the coming weeks will be closely watched, as they look to strengthen the squad and ensure they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
For Erik ten Hag, the focus will be on maintaining the positive momentum from pre-season, integrating new signings, and navigating the early challenges posed by injuries. The next few weeks will be crucial in setting the tone for United’s season, both on and off the pitch.