Manchester United faced two additional injury concerns in their match against Real Betis, compounding the already troubling news regarding Leny Yoro and Rasmus Højlund.
On Wednesday night, Erik ten Hag’s squad competed against the Spanish La Liga team at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.
United emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline, thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Casemiro. However, the victory was overshadowed by the growing list of injured players.
Prior to the match, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano shared on social media: “OFFICIAL: Manchester United confirm Leny Yoro is out for three months with a foot injury.
Rasmus Højlund, out for six weeks with a hamstring problem.” These announcements were a significant blow to United, especially given that both Yoro and Højlund were expected to play key roles in the upcoming season.
The match against Betis further added to United’s injury woes. Marcus Rashford, who scored one of the goals, was forced to leave the field around the hour mark due to what appeared to be an ankle injury. The 26-year-old was seen limping off and was replaced by Hannibal Mejbri. This was a worrying sight for United fans, as Rashford is a crucial player for the team.
The injury troubles didn’t end there. With just four minutes remaining in the match, winger Antony was also forced off due to an injury. Sam Mather came on to replace the Brazilian, who headed straight down the tunnel, indicating the severity of his condition. These injuries are particularly concerning given the proximity to the start of the Premier League season and the importance of upcoming fixtures.
Despite these setbacks, the mood was somewhat lifted by the performance of Amad Diallo. Speaking to MUTV after the match, Diallo expressed his satisfaction with the team’s focus and performance. “I feel very good.
I think we were ready for the game and as I said yesterday [at the pre-match press conference], I feel like everybody in training was focused and today I saw that my team-mates were focused. We are happy for the win. For me it is important for me to fight for the team and to help the team. I do my job on the pitch and I am happy for that,” Diallo said.
Manchester United’s upcoming schedule includes a high-profile match against long-time rivals Liverpool at the Williams–Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina.
This match will be a significant test for United, especially given their current injury challenges. Following that, they will face Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at Wembley on August 10. This match is seen as the traditional curtain-raiser for the English football season, and United will be keen to perform well despite their injury troubles.
The injuries to key players like Rashford, Antony, Yoro, and Højlund will undoubtedly be a significant concern for Erik ten Hag as he prepares his squad for these important fixtures.
The extended absence of Yoro and Højlund, combined with the uncertainty surrounding Rashford and Antony’s injuries, could force ten Hag to make strategic adjustments and rely more heavily on the depth of his squad.
The preseason has become increasingly challenging for Manchester United, with the injury list growing longer. The team’s ability to manage these injuries and maintain performance levels will be crucial as they head into the new season.
Fans will be hoping for quick recoveries for their injured stars and that the remaining players can step up to fill the gaps.
As always, the resilience and adaptability of the squad will be tested in these trying times, but the focus remains on preparing adequately for the start of the Premier League and making a strong statement in the Community Shield against Manchester City.
