APPROVED: Manchester United make final decision on arrival of Matthijs de Ligt after Leny Yoro injury update

Final decision on Matthijs de Ligt’s arrival made by Manchester United following an update on Leny Yoro’s injury

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has long wanted Matthijs de Ligt, but in light of Leny Yoro’s injury, the team may now need to sign the Dutch defender with greater urgency.

After the devastating injury setback for new signing Leny Yoro, Manchester United might have to pay a higher price to acquire Matthijs de Ligt.

The injury was initially received during United’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal in Los Angeles on Saturday by the new £59 million transfer from Lille. United hasn’t revealed how serious the problem is, but the early indications are not promising.

Following his substitution during the first half of the match, the 18-year-old was seen at UCLA, United’s training base in Los Angeles, using crutches and sporting a protective plastic boot on his left foot. Erik ten Hag, the United manager, had intended to start the new season with the French young player at the centre of his revamped defence, so losing Yoro for an extended length of time would be devastating.

Lisandro Martinez hasn’t returned to training since helping Argentina win the Copa America, which presents Ten Hag with additional defensive concerns. It might be too soon for him to play in the Premier League opener on August 16 against Fulham.

Only recently has Victor Lindelof, who has been linked to a move away from the club, returned to full training after suffering a minor injury. Ten Hag might currently need to start the season with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans as the core members of his back four. Among the players now on the pitch is Luke Shaw, a left-back.

De Ligt of Bayern Munich, who was an Ajax player under Ten Hag, is still on United’s wish list as they look to improve their defensive ranks even more. Although United and the Dutch defender have verbally agreed on personal conditions, the parties are still at odds over the transfer money.

Bayern would not permit the cheap departure of a player they acquired from Juventus two years ago for almost £60 million. Even though Yoro’s injury may force United to raise their offer, it won’t take much to entice the 24-year-old to leave Bavaria.

The other primary defensive target for United is Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton. Once more, though, the clubs disagree on a price, with the Toffees demanding at least £70 million in exchange for the 22-year-old. The Merseyside club turned down United’s offer of £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons.