Manchester United's preparations for the upcoming Premier League season took an unexpected turn as their pre-season friendly was abruptly abandoned due to a growing injury crisis.
The Red Devils were forced to cancel their match against Spanish side Real Betis after several key players picked up knocks during training. Manager Erik ten Hag now faces an anxious wait to assess the full extent of the damage to his squad.
Injury Woes Mount for Ten Hag
United's medical team are working around the clock to evaluate the condition of multiple first-team players. The club has confirmed at least three senior stars are undergoing scans, though they haven't revealed specific names at this stage.
"We're taking every precaution with player welfare," a club spokesperson stated. "When several players reported discomfort, the decision was made not to risk further issues in a friendly match."
Pre-Season Plans Disrupted
This setback comes at a crucial time for United, who are fine-tuning their tactics ahead of the new season. The abandoned friendly represents valuable lost minutes for players needing match fitness.
Fans will be particularly concerned about:
- The potential absence of key starters for early season fixtures
- Disruption to Ten Hag's preferred tactical systems
- Impact on new signings bedding into the team
What This Means for United's Season Opener
With the Premier League kick-off just weeks away, United's medical staff face a race against time to get players fit. The club promises daily updates on the injury situation as assessments continue.
"We'll provide more information as soon as we have clear diagnoses," the spokesperson added. "The players' long-term fitness is our absolute priority."
This development puts additional pressure on United's transfer plans, with the club potentially needing to accelerate moves for reinforcements if injuries prove serious.
