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August 1, 2024

Man Utd Hit with Two More Injuries as Pre-Season Struggles Persist – EPL

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

Manchester United’s injury woes deepened during their pre-season tour of the U.S., as Marcus Rashford and Antony were forced to leave the field in their 3-2 victory over Real Betis. 

Rashford, a key player for United, limped off after sustaining an injury just before the hour mark, further adding to the team’s growing list of concerns. Antony, who came on as a second-half substitute, also did not didn’t last long, having to be withdrawn after only 23 minutes due to an apparent injury. These setbacks have raised concerns for Erik ten Hag as the team continues preparing for the upcoming season.

Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Casemiro all contributed goals as Erik ten Hag’s team clinched the victory in San Diego early Thursday morning. This win showcased the attacking prowess of United, with Rashford opening the scoring, followed by Diallo, who also displayed his skills by finding the back of the net. Casemiro, known for his defensive capabilities, further highlighted his versatility by contributing to the scoreline. The team’s performance secured a crucial win and demonstrated their potential as they continued to build chemistry and momentum ahead of the new season.

Rashford’s injury occurred just before the hour mark and appeared to result from a challenge from Real Betis midfielder Sergi Altimira, who inadvertently stepped on his right ankle. This incident raised immediate concerns on the pitch, as Rashford was seen grimacing in pain before going down. The timing of the injury was particularly frustrating for both the player and the team, given Rashford’s importance to United’s attacking strategy. Medical staff quickly attended to him, assessing the extent of the damage, while his teammates and fans watched anxiously, hoping it would not sideline him for an extended period.

The forward stayed on the ground for several minutes, receiving medical attention as the game continued. He was clearly in discomfort, and the delay prompted concerns from both teammates and fans. Eventually, he was substituted, signaling to the bench that he could no longer continue. After the match, he was seen leaving Snapdragon Stadium with a slight limp, indicating that the injury had taken its toll. Seeing him limping raised worries about his fitness moving forward as he made his way to the team bus, presumably for further evaluation by the medical staff.

United’s injury concerns persisted as Antony, who had been brought on at half-time as part of Erik ten Hag’s tactical adjustments, managed to play only 23 minutes before he, too, was forced to leave the match. The decision to substitute him was not taken lightly, as he was expected to impact the second half significantly. However, it quickly became evident that he was struggling, and his withdrawal highlighted the team’s ongoing challenges with player fitness. The sight of yet another critical player leaving the pitch added to the mounting frustrations for the coaching staff and fans alike, who were already anxious about the depth of the squad heading into the new season.

Frustrated, the Brazilian winger ripped off his wrist tape and headed straight down the tunnel with the team’s physio for immediate treatment.

The latest setback came shortly after it was revealed that the £52 million signing Leny Yoro could be out for up to three months. Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund is expected to miss six weeks after both players were injured during last weekend’s pre-season friendly against Arsenal. 

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

In only his second appearance since joining from Lille, Yoro was forced off the field with a suspected broken metatarsal. This week, he was spotted on crutches wearing a protective boot.

Hojlund, who had impressively opened the scoring in the match against Arsenal, later sustained a hamstring injury.

Injuries plagued United throughout the 2023-24 season, with Erik ten Hag attributing much of their poor Premier League campaign to the consistent absence of key players.

Credit to English Premier League Image Gallery

Following the recent additions of Leny Yoro and Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, these new setbacks may speed up United’s transfer plans.

The club is currently in negotiations to sign Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich after two bids for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite were turned down.