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Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the USA has kicked off with a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, seeing Rasmus Hojlund limp out of the friendly.
The match saw Hojlund help United take an early lead in the tenth minute with an assist from Marcus Rashford. Fifteen minutes later though, Arsenal hit back with a Gabriel Jesus goal set up by Ethan Nwaneri. The game remained in deadlock until the 81st minute where Gabriel Martinelli managed to beat Andre Onana, securing Arsenal’s victory.
However the defeat wasn’t the only loss in the game. Leny Yoro and Hojlund both came off due to injury, with Erik ten Hag hoping this isn’t the start of yet another injury crisis.
Jonny Evans and Erik ten Hag comment on Hojlund’s injury
Speaking to Sky Sports about the injuries, veteran defender Jonny Evans said: “You don’t want any injuries, especially in pre-season. It’s one of the biggest things you’re trying to avoid while also getting fit at the same time. We don’t know how bad the injuries are. Muscle injuries aren’t great. Rasmus hinted it was his hamstring. I’m not sure about Leny yet.”
Taking to Manchester United’s official website, the Dutch manager spoke about the potential injuries. When quizzed about the incidents, ten Hag commented: “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 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.”
What this means for United
Naturally ten Hag will be hoping that any injury is minor, with the Red Devils set to play Real Betis on Wednesday at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
With Hojlund and new signing Joshua Zirkzee being the only senior strikers, if Hojlund’s injury is worse however, this will put alot of pressure on the new boy as United’s only option up top.
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