Next Man Utd opponents rocked by horror injury ahead of Premier League clash later this month

Premier League strugglers Sheffield United are reeling from a horrible injury setback that looks set to impact the side when they welcome Manchester United to Bramall Lane after the international break.

A trip to South Yorkshire is next up for the Red Devils but supporters will have to wait until October 21 to see Erik ten Hag's side in action after the last-gasp win against Brentford on Saturday.

Even with the underwhelming start to the season at Old Trafford, United would have gone into that away trip as favourites with the Blades still without a win this season and just one point to their name. It's gone from bad to worse for Paul Heckingbottom's newly-promoted side too after a serious injury to a key star last weekend.

Blades defender Chris Basham suffered a freak accident in the match against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday. In the first half, the 35-year-old twisted his standing leg when attempting a cross which left the player needing medical treatment before being stretchered off the pitch and into an ambulance.

Writing on Instagram, Basham said: "[I] would like to thank the football world for their support. [Thanks to] all my close friends and family, to Sheffield United for taking care of me and for their support in the process, [and to] Tim Ream for being there and putting football aside. [I] had my first operation to clean things up and will have a second this week to make things right."

The meeting between Fulham and Sheffield United was stopped for more than 10 minutes after the injury with both managers sharing words of support for Basham after the match. Heckinbottom said: "He was not in a state to speak. He was on gas and air when he left and he is in hospital now.

"Everyone could see it was a horrendous injury. He is with the right people now he is in hospital. We will touch base and see how he is. Our thoughts are with him. Injuries like that we never want to see, and it does affect the feeling in the football stadium when something like that happens, without a doubt."

Fulham manager Marco Silva added: "It was a really sad moment for all the professionals that were here with him. It is always sad to see this type of thing happen. I and all of us at Fulham wish him the best recovery. Of course, he will receive all the support from Sheffield United, his family and friends. That is most important for him right now."