Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is facing a selection headache after star players Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro suffered injuries during the defeat to Arsenal.
United may have to play without Hojlund and Yoro after they were injured during the pre-season tour. Hojlund hobbled off six minutes after scoring and went straight down the tunnel with a suspected hamstring injury.
Just after the half-hour mark, summer signing Yoro sustained a muscle problem. Defender Jonny Evans confirmed Hojlund had a hamstring problem, while reports suggest ten Hag fears Yoro could face a long spell on the sidelines.
If these fears are true, ten Hag may have to come up with a new starting lineup for the opening games of the season, as well as for Thursday’s clash with Real Betis. The Dutchman will at least be able to count on first-choice keeper Andre Onana.
While he has looked shaky in pre-season, the Cameroonian international is sure to keep his starting spot. Diogo Dalot has meanwhile emerged as United’s top right-back ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Dalot will almost certainly start come the opening day, having earned ten Hag’s trust. Another to have earned ten Hag’s trust is Lisandro Martinez, now United’s top center-back.
The identity of his partner is now up in the air following Yoro’s injury. The most likely replacement is Victor Lindelof, who overtook Harry Maguire in the pecking order last season.
As long as he is fit, Luke Shaw will start at left-back and ten Hag will hope the Englishman gets over his recent injury struggles. Looking into midfield, once he returns from his extended break following Euro 2024, Kobbie Mainoo will slot into midfield.
The youngster impressed in his debut season last term and will take on a bigger role this campaign. Captain Bruno Fernandes will of course take his place in attacking midfield, as long as he remains at Old Trafford this summer.The person who takes the third midfield role is a toss-up, with Mason Mount and Toby Collyer having impressed in pre-season. But ten Hag may go for the solidity of Scott McTominay as Mainoo’s midfield partner.
Out wide, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho ended last season as the first-choice players. While Amad has starred in pre-season, the duo should keep their places in ten Hag’s starting lineup.
The final question for ten Hag following Hojlund’s injury is who replaces the Dane. Thankfully, United planned for exactly this scenario and summer signing Joshua Zirkzee should slot straight in at center-forward.Erik ten Hag is indeed facing a challenging situation with injuries to key players Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro, both of whom were sidelined during a pre-season defeat to Arsenal. Hojlund suffered a suspected hamstring injury shortly after scoring, while Yoro sustained a muscle problem that could potentially see him out for a longer period.
With these injuries, ten Hag will have to reassess his lineup, especially for the upcoming games, including a match against Real Betis. Here’s a potential lineup and analysis based on the current situation:
**Goalkeeper:**
– **Andre Onana**: Despite a shaky pre-season, Onana is expected to retain his spot as the first-choice goalkeeper.
**Defenders:**
– **Right-Back: Diogo Dalot**: Dalot has become ten Hag’s preferred choice over Aaron Wan-Bissaka and is likely to start.
– **Center-Backs: Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof**: With Yoro potentially out, Lindelof is expected to partner Martinez, who is now the top center-back for United.
– **Left-Back: Luke Shaw**: If fit, Shaw will start, with ten Hag hoping he can avoid further injury issues.
**Midfield:**
– **Kobbie Mainoo**: Expected to have a bigger role this season, Mainoo will likely be a key player in midfield once he returns from his break.
– **Bruno Fernandes**: The captain will take up his usual role in attacking midfield, provided he stays at the club.
– **Scott McTominay/Mason Mount**: Ten Hag might opt for McTominay’s defensive solidity alongside Mainoo, though Mason Mount could also be an option depending on the tactical approach.
**Forwards:**
– **Wingers: Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho**: Both players are expected to retain their spots as first-choice wingers, despite impressive pre-season performances from Amad.
– **Center-Forward: Joshua Zirkzee**: With Hojlund injured, summer signing Zirkzee is likely to step in as the main striker.
This lineup reflects ten Hag’s likely reliance on trusted players and new signings to navigate the early challenges of the season. The injuries to Hojlund and Yoro present a significant challenge, but United’s depth and pre-season preparations should help them manage in the interim.
