Manchester United is currently facing a major setback with their recent signing, Leny Yoro, potentially being sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during a friendly match against Arsenal. This injury occurred in just his second start for the team since his transfer from Lille. The 18-year-old has been unable to resume training and was seen on crutches with a protective boot on his left foot, indicating the severity of the injury.
This injury comes at a crucial time for manager Erik ten Hag, who was counting on Yoro to fill the void left by Raphaël Varane in defense. With Varane’s departure to Como after the end of the previous season, Yoro was expected to step up and play a key role in the team’s backline. However, this unexpected setback has left the manager in a difficult position, as he now has to reevaluate his defensive options.
Sources have revealed that Manchester United is still actively looking to strengthen their defense by targeting other center-backs in the transfer market. The club has expressed interest in players like Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich and Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton. However, negotiations with both clubs seem to be challenging, with Bayern quoting £42 million for De Ligt and Everton demanding more than £70 million for Branthwaite. United has already made unsuccessful attempts to sign Branthwaite, with Everton rejecting both offers.
In addition to Yoro’s injury, there are also concerns about the fitness of striker Rasmus Højlund, who suffered a suspected hamstring injury during the same friendly match against Arsenal. These consecutive setbacks have put Manchester United in a precarious position, as they head into the upcoming season with uncertainties in key positions on the field.
The injury to Leny Yoro has had a significant impact on Manchester United’s defensive plans for the season. With the young defender facing a potential spell on the sidelines, the team will need to regroup and make necessary adjustments to cope with his absence. Manager Erik ten Hag will have to explore alternative options within the squad or consider potential transfers to bolster the defense ahead of the new season. Only time will tell how Manchester United will navigate through these challenges and strive for success in the upcoming campaign.