Manchester United star Leny Yoro pictured walking with crutches as worrying images after injury in pre-season emerge
New Manchester United signing Leny Yoro has been photographed in a protective boot and crutches, raising questions about his injury status. The young Frenchman picked up an injury while playing for the Red Devils in their friendly against Arsenal last week.
Yoro cost the Red Devils a princely sum of £52 million in fixed fees, with add-ons set to further increase the cost of his transfer. With only one year left on his contract at Lille, the transfer was considered expensive by some, leading to an increased scrutiny of how he would perform.
As the first-team squad of Manchester United arrived at the UCLA campus, their primary training ground on this tour, Yoro was spotted in a protective boot. The 18-year-old was walking with the aid of crutches, indicating that his injury may be more serious than feared.
Leny Yoro made his Manchester United bow in a friendly against Rangers, playing 45 minutes in Edinburgh mere days after signing for the club. The teenage defender made his second appearance in the friendly against the Gunners in the USA, lasting only 35 minutes.
Yoro picked up an ankle injury in the game at the SoFi Stadium, with manager Erik ten Hag saying at the time that he was waiting to see how it progressed. The manager said at the time that they had taken proper precautions with the youngster, rueing his injury.
Manchester United find themselves in a familiar spot, with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans the only fit senior centre-backs on tour. Victor Lindelof was left out due to injury and Lisandro Martinez is yet to commence training with the side.
Manchester United set to move for new defender after Leny Yoro injury - Reports
Manchester United may be forced to accelerate plans to sign a new centre-back this summer after the injury to Leny Yoro, as per ESPN. The Red Devils have been linked with a number of defenders this summer, with Yoro their lone signing so far in defence.
The Red Devils saw a bid for Matthijs De Ligt turned down by Bayern Munich, who want around £42 million for the Dutchman. They also saw multiple bids for Jarrad Branthwaite turned down by Everton, who want around £70 million for the Englishman.
Ten Hag's side are prepared to sign another defender, having seen both Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala leave the club this summer. The Red Devils will look to spend wisely, having already invested a significant amount of money to sign Leny Yoro.