Erik ten Hag confirms Man United player and Leny Yoro have the same problem

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed the club's defensive woes have deepened with Tyrell Malacia joining new signing Leny Yoro on the treatment table.

The Red Devils had high hopes for Yoro, a £59million acquisition from Lille, but his pre-season was cut short after just two games. The 18-year-old was forced off following a knock in the 2-1 loss to Arsenal in Los Angeles and is potentially sidelined for three months.

After Raphael Varane left Old Trafford earlier this summer, United's backline options are looking increasingly thin. To compound Ten Hag's issues at the back, the boss has confirmed Malacia will be absent for around two months.

READ MORE: Manchester United transfer news LIVE Mazraoui medical, Rabiot 'talks' planned, Greenwood rejected

READ MORE: Man United star Kobbie Mainoo confirms brand new bumper deal as stunning rise continues

"He [Malacia] is not that far, but he is now in a progress situation," Ten Hag told reporters (via The Mirror). "At relatively short notice, he can return to team training and team performance in games again. I think it would be possible [for him to return] in two months."

Malacia - who was Ten Hag's inaugural signing when he took charge in 2022 - made 39 appearances in his first season and proved himself as a solid option. Despite this, he missed the entirety of the last campaign, leading to speculation about his fitness and future at the club.

A severe knee injury suffered while on international duty in June 2023 has kept Malacia off the pitch and required complex surgery. If he makes a comeback in October, it will mark 14 months since his last game.

The medical team at United will have their hands full in the coming weeks, dealing with Yoro's potential