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Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the United States started on a sombre note as the team suffered a 1-2 defeat at the hands of rivals Arsenal.
That was not the worst news of the day as new signing Leny Yoro and the club’s new No 9 Rasmus Hojlund both suffered injuries with the Dane hobbling off after scoring the first goal of the game.
Erik ten Hag did not provide an exact timeline for the duo’s return but the injury scare once again highlighted the need to reinforce the forward line despite Joshua Zirkzee’s signing.
Last season, the manager was forced to keep playing the Dane as all his other options were either injured or terribly out of form.
Injury scare
The Netherlands international is yet to join pre-season training and the former Bologna ace will need time to get match fit and adapt to his new surroundings.
If Hojlund’s injury turns out to be a serious one, the Red Devils could be in serious danger. There have been links with Max Beier of Hoffenheim but his asking price might prove beyond United without significant outgoings.
United are also reportedly monitoring Ivan Toney and Dominic Calvert-Lewin and will only enter the race for the Brentford man should his valuation drop significantly.
As per Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, United do not have plans to strengthen upfront and are expected to sign a centre-back, full-back and midfielder unless major outgoings take place.
Striker hunt
Mason Greenwood has already departed and now if Jadon Sancho and Facundo Pellistri also leave, a forward signing could potentially occur.
“United have watched Ivan Toney and Dominic Calvert-Lewin and they’re admirers of them. The information that I’ve got, once Zirkzee came in, it was very unlikely that United were going to strengthen again in that area.
“They’ve got other areas they need to focus on and spend their budget on. However, if there were to be departures in the forward line, for example Jadon Sancho or Facundo Pellistri, then there is a chance United could go back into the market to try and bring in another forward player,” the journalist told Givemesport.
Athens-based side Panathinaikos are eager to sign 22-year-old Uruguayan forward Pellistri while Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund are all monitoring Jadon Sancho’s future.
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