BREAKING NEWS: The situation is critical. This morning, Manchester United’s board announced that a key player has been diagnosed with a rare heart condition. The individual is one of the club’s recent signings and possesses exceptional talent.

Manchester United has had their worst start ever in a Premier League season, securing just eight points from their first seven matches. Their poor form has been compounded by injuries and health issues. One significant setback was the injury to £52 million signing, Leny Yoro, during pre-season, which already weakened the team.

Now, another blow has struck with the news that summer signing Noussair Mazraoui, brought in for £17 million, will be out for two months due to a heart condition known as cardiac arrhythmia.

Cardiac arrhythmia, often referred to as an irregular heartbeat, involves the heart beating too quickly, too slowly, or in an inconsistent rhythm.

The condition was revealed by Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, and it represents a serious challenge for both the player and the team. Mazraoui’s diagnosis highlights the growing concern over heart problems in professional football.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), over 2 million people in the UK suffer from arrhythmias, though most lead normal lives once properly diagnosed and treated. While a completely healthy lifestyle cannot always prevent the development of arrhythmias, it can help reduce the risk of heart conditions.

Mazraoui’s case isn’t isolated in football. In recent years, several high-profile players have been affected by heart problems. Christian Eriksen, Mazraoui’s current teammate, suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland. Eriksen’s heart stopped on the pitch, and he was later fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), a device that has allowed him to continue playing at the highest level.

Similarly, Sergio Aguero, former Manchester City striker, experienced chest pains during a match for Barcelona in 2021. He was diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia after feeling dizzy and short of breath during the game. Aguero required immediate medical attention and later retired from football due to his heart condition.

These cases illustrate the growing awareness and seriousness of heart issues in football, as clubs and medical professionals work to protect players’ health while allowing them to continue their careers where possible.