In the 3-0 friendly loss to Liverpool in South Carolina, Manchester United’s pre-season injury difficulties continued with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelöf, and Jonny Evans being substituted.
Erik ten Hag faced challenges during the club’s pre-season tour in the US, including the absence of new recruit Leny Yoro for three months due to a foot injury and Rasmus Højlund’s hamstring issue in the loss to Arsenal.
In their win over Real Betis, Marcus Rashford and Antony were sidelined. Both returned to play in the loss to Liverpool, although Wan-Bissaka, Lindelöf, and Evans appeared unfit to continue.
Lindelöf was substituted at halftime for safety, while Evans was pulled due to illness. In the 80th minute, Wan-Bissaka, a transfer target for West Ham, was treated on the pitch and replaced by James Scanlon.
Will Fish, 21, was also unable to continue after a challenge with Liverpool striker Harvey Blair. Harry Maguire was precautionarily benched against Liverpool.
Ten Hag told MUTV: “We must investigate. Will Fish’s injury is an impact injury. We substituted Jonny Evans at halftime because he was sick. Precautionary Victor Lindelöf. Yes, there are injuries, but we must assess their severity.
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The preseason is always hard. Harry Maguire is excluded for safety. Naturally, we had injuries, but that’s club football. Team development and improvement are needed.”
Arne Slot said his team can improve despite their 3-0 win. The new Liverpool manager, who succeeded Jürgen Klopp in May, defeated Arsenal and Real Betis.
Liverpool face Sevilla at Anfield before travelling to promoted Ipswich Town for their Premier League opening on 17 August.
“Yes I was, but not with all of them,” the Dutchman remarked of his team’s performance so far. We are pleased with our performance, scoring some impressive goals on a fantastic tour.
I think we gave up too many chances and didn’t control the game. United deserved better than a 3-0 loss, but we score our own chances.
How players back from vacation fit into the team will be seen. We must work hard in the next two weeks to prepare.”
In New Jersey, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in a competitive clásico.
After an hour-long lightning delay, Pau Víctor gave Hansi Flick’s team a 2-0 lead before Nico Paz equalized for Madrid.
