Leny Yoro's pre-season injury has been a big enough blow to Manchester United's preparations for the upcoming campaign. But the £52million centre-back's spell on the sidelines has reportedly stifled attempts to bolster further the position as Bayern Munich dig their heels in over Matthijs de Ligt.
Yoro is set to miss around three months of action after suffering a broken foot in the first half of United's 2-1 friendly defeat against Arsenal last month.
The Red Devils were thought to be eyeing another centre-back signing before his ill-timed injury, but that desire has now undoubtedly intensified.
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Luring De Ligt away from the Allianz Arena is proving difficult, though - despite Bayern making it clear that he doesn't feature in Vincent Kompany's plans.
United and the Dutchman's representatives were reportedly left baffled by the refusal of their opening proposal - a joint offer including right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
The M16 giants are expected to return to the negotiation table for De Ligt as they attempt to slash Bayern's £60m asking price for their defensive duo.
However, The Athletic report that there were efforts to keep the severity of Yoro's injury silent to maintain their bargaining position for other targets.
United were reportedly determined to prevent the Frenchman's injury timescale from getting out amid discussions with Bayern.
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But they communicated their belief after he was videoed on crutches and wearing a protective boot, which sparked reports about his three-month lay-off.
Bayern's knowledge that United are now under more pressure to recruit a centre-back before the new season has strengthened their position.
Ten Hag suffered a major attacking blow in the same half of football as Rasmus Hojlund was forced off moments after opening the scoring at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The 21-year-old is set to miss around six weeks of action with a hamstring injury, but Ten Hag has confirmed that he - along with Yoro - is already on the mend.
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"[Injuries are] part of football. That's part of top football especially. You go to the edge," the United boss explained.
"Every player has to go to the edge, and yeah, then injuries are not avoidable. But of course, we have to be ready as a club and as a team to cover this.
"The players [Hojlund and Yoro] are dealing very well with this setback. They are very positive. They are already recovering and they will return."
