Manchester United struggled in a recent pre-season friendly that ended in a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
This struggle was specifically due to the injuries of two key players who eventually left the pitch.
During the match, Rasmus Hojlund provided a moment of early excitement, breaking through in the 10th minute.
He latched onto a precise first-time pass from Marcus Rashford, showcasing his strength by outmuscling defender Ayden Heaven.
This move created the space that allowed him to slide the ball through the legs of goalkeeper Karl Hein.
However, this impressive display was short-lived.
Five minutes later, Hojlund missed a close-range opportunity from a cross and subsequently appeared to strain a muscle.
This injury saw him exit the field, a significant blow to United’s attacking options.
The sight of Hojlund heading directly down the tunnel raised immediate concerns about his fitness for the upcoming season.
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Meanwhile, the injury curse struck again soon after, this time affecting Leny Yoro.
The 18-year-old defender, who had only recently joined United from Lille, went down seemingly without direct cause.
After receiving lengthy treatment on the field, Yoro was unable to continue.
This incident mirrored the misfortune United experienced last season when several injuries disrupted their campaign.
The player’s slow, painful walk off the pitch highlighted the severity of his discomfort, adding to the manager’s worries.
Manchester United: Manager Erik Ten Hag’s Comment on the Incident
Meanwhile, manager Erik Ten Hag, reflecting on these developments, emphasized his squad’s challenges.
In his speech, he stated they will need to wait another 24 hours before they can expect more information about the incident.
These comments conveyed both caution and a glimmer of optimism.
Notably, Ten Hag had previously highlighted the physical demands of the season, describing it as a “survival of the fittest.”
The sudden loss of two players underscored his concerns, forcing a reassessment of United’s preparation and squad depth.