Manchester United receive defensive injury boost amid Leny Yoro concerns

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof returned to training on Sunday after missing the pre-season loss to Arsenal with a knock.

The Swedish captain hasn’t played a single minute for United in their three friendly games this summer, having sat out the opener against Rosenborg as he worked on his individual fitness. A minor knock prevented Lindelof playing at Murrayfield a week later when United took on Rangers and, while he’s recovered from the injury, was not ready to play against Arsenal at the weekend, as the Red Devils were beaten 2-1.

However, Lindelof was back in training on Sunday at United’s Los Angeles base, and could be an option for Thursday’s friendly against Real Betis. That would be a boost for manager Erik ten Hag with centre-back Leny Yoro suffering an injury in the 2-1 defeat to Mikel Arteta’s side.

Yoro dropped to the ground during the first half and was replaced by Rhys Bennett. Speaking after the game, Ten Hag admitted it was ‘very disappointing’.

“It is too short [know the extent], we have to wait over 24 hours and then we know hopefully more,” the United boss told MUTV. “We were very careful, especially with Leny. He did only 50 per cent from the sessions so it was very disappointing that he had to come off but let’s be positive and see what is coming out.”

Yoro’s injury could leave United with just three senior centre-backs to choose from for the remaining US friendlies. Lisandro Martinez is yet to meet up with the squad, meaning Ten Hag may have just Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Lindelof available, although youngsters Bennett and Will Fish have also been selected as back-up

As for Lindelof, there remains a strong chance that he will end up leaving the club this summer. The 30-year-old, who was signed by Jose Mourinho in 2017, is among a number of players United could look to sell in order to generate funds this summer. The Red Devils are also keen on adding Matthijs de Ligt this window and have seen two bids rejected for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.