Proven PL frontman emerges as concrete option for United to ease burden on Zirkzee after Hojlund setback

In what Manchester United supporters will hope is not a sign of what’s to come in the new season, the club has been dealt a double injury blow to two integral players.

Indeed, Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro will both miss the beginning of the 2024/2025 campaign with a hamstring injury and metatarsal fracture, respectively.

They were withdrawn from the action in the first half of last Saturday’s pre-season tour opener against Arsenal. When footage emerged yesterday of the Frenchman wearing a protective boot and on crutches, fans feared the worst.

Read more: ‘Done deal’- Sky Sports journo drops transfer bombshell that’ll have direct repercussions on United’s plans

United step up transfer efforts following gutting double blow

Alas, United have now confirmed that Yoro is expected to be sidelined for around three months while he recovers from his fracture, while Hojlund is ruled out for six weeks.

A fresh report from The Telegraph this morning claims that the significant setbacks have forced United chiefs to accelerate their pursuit of a centre-back and a striker.

Jarrad Branthwaite and Matthijs de Ligt remain options for the former, and Ivan Toney has now been shortlisted as a Premier League-proven candidate to ease the burden on Joshua Zirkzee, who will be navigating his first season in England.

Huge double injury blow to Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund could force #MUFC to accelerate plans to recruit another centre-back and strikerhttps://t.co/3mNzev25w4

— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) August 1, 2024