Manchester United began the USA leg of their pre-season with a 2-1 loss against Arsenal but the result was arguably the least important thing.
The loss was a moot point as goalscorer Rasmus Hojlund was subbed off minutes after scoring and Leny Yoro followed him before the end of the first half as well.
The injuries to both players will undoubtedly give a feeling of deja vu to United fans who saw the same script as last year repeat.
Here’s the latest on Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund’s injuries, and Erik ten Hag’s update on the duo –
Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund injury latest
Hojlund scored in the 11th minute but immediately following the goal, it looked like his feet got stuck in the turf.
With what looked like a groin injury, he signaled to the bench that he needed to come off, and Hannibal Mejbri replaced him. The Dane went straight down the tunnel to put a dampener on the proceedings.
Things went from bad to worse for United as Leny Yoro limped off in the 34th minute after the water break. It wasn’t clear what the exact issue was but fans feared the worst after he was consoled by his teammates and kept shaking his head.
Rhys Bennett came on to replace him and United conceded two goals as the spectre of the double-injury scare loomed over the match.
Erik ten Hag spoke to MUTV after the game and was cautiously optimistic in his assessment of the injuries to both.
He said: “Of course, it is too soon. We have to wait over 24 hours then we know hopefully more. We were very careful, especially with Leny. He did only 50% of the sessions. So it’s very disappointing he had to come off but let’s be positive and see what’s coming out.”
Ten Hag’s comments show promise
If it is a really bad injury, generally, the players and the manager accept it straightaway because it’s clear from the initial prognosis.
Especially in Leny Yoro’s case, Ten Hag was quick to stress that his substitution was more about being cautious than him being injured outright.
In that case, the look of frustration on Yoro’s face as he came off could be due to not being able to contribute more.
For Hojlund, the jury will be out and questions will again be raised on United’s preparation, or the lack of it, in fact.
If they lose the Dane to a serious injury in his very first appearance, after just 10 minutes, it will be unforgivable from both POVs- the player and the club.
Furthermore, the conditions of the USA, stadiums, and turf will come under question even though it is believed grass was laid out for this, there are questions about how suitable it remains for top-level football athletes just beginning their season.
For now, fans can’t do much more than face a nervous wait as clearer pictures of the injury situation for both Hojlund and Yoro emerge.
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