Manchester United’s defensive woes deepen with Leny Yoro’s injury

Manchester United's defensive issues worsen as Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia face lengthy absences. The club is accelerating efforts to sign Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt to address the crisis.

Zor

August 6, 2024

Manchester United's Defensive Woes Deepen With Leny Yoro’s Injury — Visionhaus / Getty Images

Leny Yoro, Manchester United’s new £52 million center-half, will be sidelined for three months following surgery on a metatarsal injury. The 18-year-old suffered the injury during a 2-1 friendly defeat to Arsenal in Los Angeles, only his second appearance for the club.

Manager Erik ten Hag confirmed Yoro’s absence until November, exacerbating the defensive crisis that plagued United last season. United are now accelerating their pursuit of Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, though they have yet to meet Bayern’s £42 million valuation. Additionally, right-back Noussair Mazraoui is also a target, contingent on Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s potential move to West Ham, which is delayed over wage demands.

Adding to the woes, Tyrell Malacia is out for two months with a major metatarsal problem, and striker Rasmus Hojlund faces a three-week absence due to a hamstring injury. The injuries come ahead of the Community Shield clash against Manchester City, leaving Ten Hag grappling with potential defensive shortages.