Man Utd had a cutting-edge plan to prevent injuries on pre-season tour - it backfired with Leny Yoro, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford & Antony all getting hurt

United lost new signing Yoro and striker Hojlund to injury in their pre-season loss to Arsenal last month, while forwards Marcus Rashford and Antony were forced off in their win over Real Betis last week. While Rashford and Antony returned for the defeat at the hands of Liverpool, the Red Devils' efforts to keep their team fit - after an injury-ravaged last season - went awry.

According to The Athletic, United tried to avoid injuries by managing loads, using sweat patches to monitor fluid loss during sessions and installing an ice bath next to the roof-top swimming pool at the team hotel. Despite those efforts, Hojlund is out for six weeks and Yoro faces approximately three months on the sidelines.

United had an injury nightmare with the first-team squad last season. The likes of Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Hojlund and more missed some or all of the 2023-24 campaign.

Erik ten Hag's United - who lost to Liverpool, Arsenal and Rosenborg, but beat Rangers and Real Betis in their pre-season campaign - are next in action on Saturday at Wembley against rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield.