Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is facing a challenging decision due to injuries sustained by key players Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro during their loss to Arsenal. Both players suffered injuries in the pre-season match, with Hojlund leaving the pitch just six minutes after scoring, likely due to a hamstring issue. Yoro, who was signed this summer, also had to leave the game around the 30-minute mark with a muscle problem.
Ten Hag may need to adjust his lineup for the start of the season and for Thursday’s match against Real Betis if these injuries prove serious. The Dutch coach can rely on first-choice goalkeeper André Onana, despite some pre-season jitters, while Diogo Dalot has emerged as the preferred right-back over Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Dalot is expected to start the opening game due to his strong performances and Ten Hag’s confidence in him.
Lisandro Martínez has established himself as United’s top center-back, though the identity of his partner is uncertain due to Yoro’s injury. Victor Lindelöf is the likely candidate to replace Yoro, having surpassed Harry Maguire in the pecking order last season. As long as Luke Shaw is fit, he will continue at left-back, with Ten Hag hoping Shaw recovers fully from recent injury issues. In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo will return to action after a break following Euro 2024, with Bruno Fernandes continuing in his role as attacking midfielder.
The third midfield position is up for grabs between Mason Mount and Toby Collyer, though Ten Hag might opt for the reliability of Scott McTominay. On the wings, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho are expected to maintain their positions as the first-choice players, despite Amad’s impressive pre-season performances. Finally, with Hojlund’s absence, summer recruit Joshua Zirkzee is likely to step in as the center-forward.
