HUJLUND injured,Leny Yoro injured,” How Man United could line up for next pre-season friendly against Real betis after double injury blow – As Ten Hag faces the biggest injury nightmare of His career
Manchester United are back in action when they take on Real Betis on Wednesday. The Red Devils suffered a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in their first game of the club’s pre-season tour of the United States over the weekend, as Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli earned the Gunners the victory after Rasmus Hojlund had opened the scoring.
It was a positive workout for United, although Erik ten Hag would have been frustrated that new £52million signing Leny Yoro and Hojlund both sustained injuries during that game. Just six minutes after scoring, Hojlund limped off with a hamstring problem before Yoro was substituted before half-time with a muscle issue.
Speaking after the game, Ten Hag said: “Of course, it is too short [to know about their injuries], and we have to wait over 24 hours, then we will hopefully know more. We were careful, especially with Leny [Yoro], as he only did 50 per cent of the [training] sessions. He has to come up, but let’s be positive and see what comes out.”
Both players could now miss out against Betis. If neither feature – which may be the case – Ten Hag will be forced to make at least two changes to his starting XI.
The Dutchman will at least be able to call on first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana, who has featured in every game of pre-season to date. Meanwhile, Aaron Wan-Bissaka could keep his place at right-back with Diogo Dalot set to join up with the United squad in due course after his involvement at Euro 2024.
Harry Maguire got the nod alongside Yoro against Betis and the England international is expected to keep his place with Jonny Evans or Victor Lindelof coming into the back four. Harry Amass, who started against Arsenal, may get the nod again with Tyrell Malacia unavailable and Luke Shaw not in training yet.
Moving into midfield and Casemiro started the defeat to Arsenal alongside youngster Toby Collyer. This is set to be the midfield to start against Betis, though it also wouldn’t be a surprise to see Christian Eriksen or Scott McTominay come in. Both players featured off the bench against the Gunners.
The same can be said for Mason Mount, who started in the No.10 position in their last game. He – like a number of others – was taken off at half-time against Arsenal but could be handed another chance to impress. Out wide, Amad – if he is fit – and Marcus Rashford could start once again with Antony pushing.
Up front, there is set to be a change with Hojlund likely to miss out. Hannibal Mejbri came on for the Denmark international against Arsenal but was taken off at half-time for Ethan Wheatley, who could be given a chance to impress by Ten Hag against Betis.
How United could line up vs Betis: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Amass; Casemiro, Collyer; Antony, Mount, Rashford; Wheatley.
