Manchester United have made a host of new signings during the off-season to try and strengthen every part of their team. They finished mid-table last year, which is way off the mark for a team of such stature and financial backing. Since they have quality players, like Fernandes and Casemiro, everyone wondered why they did so poorly.
It could be a combination of coaching tactics, lineups, and player management. One issue that Manchester United had last year was their injuries and lack of defenders. It seemed as though all of their back line, like Maguire and Shaw, were injured for a lot of the season.
But, this summer transfer window, ten Hag has made an effort to secure at least one new center-back who will help United make an impact this year — but he was injured during a pre-season friendly on Sunday.
Manchester United Defender Injured During Match
Manchester United faced off against Arsenal to see how they would fare against a Premier League side in a friendly game before the new campaign kicks off. Unfortunately, two Man U players were injured in the friendly which brings into question their fitness for the beginning of the season.
Holjund, the Danish striker, was injured in the match with a hamstring issue. Hamstring issues can range in severity, from Grade I which means you are only out for a few weeks, to Grade III which can indicate the player will be out for at least a few months. It would be a huge loss for Man U if Holjund was out, considering he was the player who scored for United in the first ten minutes of the game.
Another player who was injured during the intense pre-season game was Leny Yoro, the young center-back who ten Hag recently signed from Lille in France. At such a young age, he has already seriously impressed for Manchester United during his limited appearances. However, he has also suffered an injury that forced him off the field in the first half of play against the Gunners on Sunday.
Yoro went down in the first half and stayed down for quite a long time, signaling something was bothering him that required immediate treatment. He went down for a few minutes and then stated that he couldn’t continue the game. Yoro was purchased from Lille for over $50 million — one of the highest transfer fees for a teenager ever in the Premier League.
Ten Hag knows not to push it, especially with a young player who has a long career ahead of him. The manager stated, “We were very careful, especially with Leny. It is disappointing he had to come off but let’s be positive and see what comes out.”
Manchester United vs. Arsenal
In the game, Manchester United had 10 shots with three shots on target, vs. Arsenal who had just six shots and three shots on target. This indicates Manchester United had more scoring opportunities, but lacked accuracy and composure in the final third when it came to finishing their chances. Manchester had 20 touches in the opponent’s box, whereas Arsenal came out on top with 28 touches.
Manchester United had less of the ball, with only 42% possession, but worked well with their quick counterattacks and direct style of play.
However, Johnny Evans, the defender and veteran player on the team, expressed his concern after the game for the well-being of the two players who were injured. The defender was quoted as saying, “Obviously, you don’t want any injuries, especially in the pre-season. You know one of the biggest things you’re trying to avoid while also getting fit at the same time. Injuries are hopefully not too bad, but we’ll see, probably see tomorrow, I’m sure.”
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