Manchester United may have to make more efforts to recruit Matthijs de Ligt after a serious injury to rookie Leny Yoro.
The "Red Devils" worth £59 million contract was injured in the 1-2 loss to Arsenal in Los Angeles (USA) last weekend. Although Man United has not revealed the extent of the French midfielder's injury, the initial signs are not very positive.
The 18-year-old was spotted using a net and wearing a plastic protective shoe on his left leg at a Man United training facility in Los Angeles. Yoro's possible long-term absence will be a heavy blow to coach Erik ten Hag and Man United's ambitions. According to the original plan, the former Lille player will immediately be given the opportunity to start next season.
Ten Hag has other problems in defence, with Lisandro Martinez still out of training after helping Argentina win the 2024 Copa America. The Premier League opener against Fulham on 16 August could be too early for the centre-back.
Victor Lindelof, who is rumored to leave Old Trafford this summer, has just returned to full training after a minor injury. For now, Ten Hag could have to start the new season with centre-back options such as Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans. left-back Luke Shaw could also be considered for a centre-back if Ten Hag is out of options.
In addition to Yoro, striker Rasmus Hojlund was also injured in the match against Arsenal. Remember in the pre-season of Man United in the US last year, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo were also injured, thereby not playing until the end of the year.
There are still questions about the "Red Devils" medical department as the injury obsession has lasted from last season until now.
In the current context, the "Red Devils" may continue to aim to recruit an additional central defender. Bayern Munich centre-back De Ligt, who was a former Ten Hag student at Ajax, is still on the shortlist for Man United.
The Old Trafford side are even said to have agreed personally with the Dutch defender. The remaining problem at the moment is that the two clubs must agree on the price.
Two years ago, Bayern spent £60 million to sign De Ligt from Juventus, so they will not accept selling the Dutch midfielder for free. In addition, Man United is also in a difficult situation, forced to be more urgent after Yoro's injury.
Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is another target for Man United. However, once again, the two sides could not agree on the valuation, with The Toffees wanting to collect at least £70 million for the 22-year-old player. Man United had previously offered a £45m fee and a further £5m fee, but Everton rejected it.
