Manchester United Face Major Setback as Leny Yoro Suffers Injury Blow
Manchester United have been dealt a significant injury setback ahead of the 2024/25 season, with their £52 million signing Leny Yoro reportedly set to be out of action for up to two months. Yoro is believed to have sustained a metatarsal injury during the pre-season match against Arsenal on Sunday.
United played against Arsenal at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat during regular time but managed to win 4-3 in a penalty shootout. Rasmus Hojlund scored the opening goal after ten minutes but had to leave the pitch soon after due to a hamstring injury, marking the first of several setbacks for manager Erik ten Hag.
Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli scored for Arsenal to complete their comeback, but the game was marred further for United when Yoro sustained his injury in the first half, making it an even more troubling outcome for the team.
Early reports from The Sun indicated that the 18-year-old center-back would miss the first three games of the season. This would have included missing the Community Shield match against Manchester City and the initial Premier League games against Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion. However, subsequent reports on Wednesday night revealed that Yoro might be sidelined for up to two months, posing a significant challenge early in the season.
United now need to act quickly, with Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Jonny Evans being the remaining senior defensive options if Victor Lindelof completes his anticipated departure. Express Sport suggests two potential solutions to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s defensive lineup beyond Yoro’s return.
Manchester United are reportedly planning to acquire another center-back but are constrained by limited funds after spending £88.5 million on Yoro and Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
While the sale of Lindelof might not generate sufficient funds for another top-tier signing, Scott McTominay has attracted significant interest. Fulham are said to be preparing to test United’s resolve with a new £30 million offer after an earlier bid was rejected.
Although United would prefer to use the proceeds for a new midfielder, it could be prudent to ensure that Ten Hag has adequate center-back depth.
Selling McTominay or another first-team player could pave the way for Matthijs de Ligt to finally make his long-rumored move to Old Trafford. De Ligt appears to be out of favor at Bayern Munich, with Vincent Kompany reportedly considering other options, including Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.
De Ligt has reportedly agreed to personal terms and is waiting to complete a move to United, where he would reunite with Ten Hag following their successful partnership at Ajax.
The 24-year-old could then compete with Yoro for a starting role alongside Martinez in United’s defense, with Maguire serving as backup and Evans available as an emergency option.
Manchester United Face Major Setback as Leny Yoro Suffers Injury Blow
