Manchester United’s preparation for the upcoming season took a hit as they faced more injury problems during their friendly match against Real Betis. Marcus Rashford, who scored a first-half penalty in a 3-2 victory, was forced off the pitch after a heavy knock to his right ankle. This adds to the mounting injury concerns for manager Erik ten Hag, who is already without Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund.
Antony, who came on as a second-half substitute, also had to be taken off after just 23 minutes due to injury. With Yoro out for three months and Hojlund set to miss six weeks, the absence of key players poses a challenge for Ten Hag ahead of the Premier League season opener against Fulham.
Injuries to Rashford and Hojlund leave Ten Hag with limited options upfront, with new signing Joshua Zirkzee being the only recognised centre-forward available for selection. Zirkzee, who was not part of the U.S. tour squad, is back in training at Carrington after his participation in the European Championship.
The lack of attacking depth for United is a major cause for concern, especially as they aim to challenge for the Premier League title. The absence of key players due to injuries will test the squad’s depth and resilience early in the season.
Despite the injury setbacks, there were positives to take from the friendly match against Real Betis. Rashford, Amad, and 17-year-old left-back Harry Amass put in impressive performances, showcasing their talent and potential for the upcoming season.
Amad’s desire to prove himself to manager Ten Hag was evident as he played a key role in United’s attacking display, scoring a goal and providing an assist. Rashford’s lively presence before being forced off highlighted his importance to the team, while Amass’s attacking runs from left-back added a new dimension to the team’s play.
United had to come from behind to secure the win against Betis, showing resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite going a goal down early in the match, the team rallied together to secure a hard-fought victory, with Casemiro scoring the winning goal before half-time.
The ability to overcome setbacks and challenges will be crucial for United as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team’s attitude and fighting spirit will be tested, but the victory against Betis is a positive sign moving forward.
Injuries continue to be a major concern for Manchester United as they gear up for the new season. The lack of attacking options and key players sidelined with injuries pose a significant challenge for manager Erik ten Hag. However, the positive performances from the likes of Rashford, Amad, and Amass offer hope and promise for the team moving forward.
United will need to address their injury issues and build depth within the squad to ensure they can compete at the highest level. The resilience shown in their victory against Real Betis is a good starting point, but there is still work to be done to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead.
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