Leny Yoro sidelined for three months in further injury blow for Manchester United

Leny Yoro will be out for three months with a fractured foot and Rasmus Hojlund faces six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury in two major blows to Manchester United ahead of the new season.

Each suffered the problems in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles County. Yoro, an 18-year-old defender, is United’s flagship £52m summer transfer, having beaten off competition from Real Madrid to his signing. His prolonged absence may mean one of Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof will now not be sold to provide cover.

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Hojlund, 21, is Erik ten Hag’s first-choice No 9 and had scored an impressive solo goal before being forced off against the Gunners. Joshua Zirkzee, a 22-year-old striker signed for £35.3m from Bologna, was bought to compete with Hojlund so is the obvious replacement. The Dutchman is training at United’s Carrington base, after not joining the US summer tour due to his participation in Euro 2024.

Signed from Lille a fortnight ago, Yoro was playing his second United game having impressed in his first, but went to ground in the 34th minute and required treatment on the pitch before hobbling off shortly afterwards.

The defender’s injury is a blow to Erik ten Hag, who is seeking major improvement after the club’s worst Premier League finish of eighth last season. His squad had 66 injuries last term and, before the Arsenal friendly, he noted that, given the ­players’ workload, a repeat could occur.

United refused to comment when contacted, but Ten Hag is expected to address the matter on Thursday, when he next speaks publicly.