Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro were both forced off during Manchester United’s pre-season friendly against Arsenal in Los Angeles; Hojlund indicated he had a hamstring injury; Yoro limped off the field after lengthy treatment; Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus cancelled out Hojlund’s opening goal

Manchester United should have learned within 48 hours of the seriousness of the injuries to Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro, as the two were substituted in the first half of the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in Los Angeles.

Hojlund had put United ahead in the tenth minute when he seized a pass from Marcus Rashford and fired a shot past Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein.

The Danish striker also headed Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross wide from close range, but suffered a muscle injury after just 15 minutes, forcing him to withdraw.

18-year-old defender Yoro, who joined United from Lille for £52million earlier this month, suffered an injury and required lengthy treatment before also calling it a day.

“We have to wait 24 hours and then we will hopefully know more,” Ten Hag said MUTV.

“We were very cautious, especially with Leny. It’s disappointing that he had to go, but let’s stay positive and see what comes of it.”

Normally, after 24 hours, one waits for the swelling to go down and then has a scan done for a more accurate assessment.

Hojlund appeared to tell the medical team that he was suffering from a hamstring injury after a sprint, shortly after scoring the opening goal with his superior speed and physical strength.

Yoro limped off the field after prolonged treatment and there appear to be increasing concerns about his injury.

Defender Jonny Evans spoke to the press afterwards about the concerns over Hojlund and Yoro. He said: “Of course you don’t want injuries, especially in the pre-season.

“You know, one of the biggest things you try to avoid while getting fit at the same time. Injuries hopefully won’t be too bad, but we’ll see, probably tomorrow I’m sure.

“Muscle injuries aren’t great either. But. I don’t really know Rasmus. I think he hinted a little bit about his hamstring. I’m not sure.”

Analysis: Will Ten Hag’s misfortune ever turn around?

Sky Sports’ Ben Grounds:

Erik ten Hag already warned that this new season would be about the ‘survival of the fittest’.

Given the series of injuries that severely hampered any signs of progress last season, and the loss of two experienced players in a relatively innocuous manner less than three weeks before United’s opening Premier League match against Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16, the Dutchman is wondering whether his luck will ever turn around.

Hojlund went straight into the tunnel, while Yoro seemed rather uncomfortable.

After Victor Lindelof was injured, 20-year-old Rhys Bennett, who spent part of last season on loan at Stockport, became Harry Maguire’s new striker after Yoro was substituted.

The setbacks spoiled a good start in the SoFi Stadium. Ten Hag was also furious about Gabriel Jesus’ equalizer, who believed the goal should have been disallowed for offside.

Gabriel Martinelli then sent in 17-year-old defender James Scanlon to score the winning goal. But it is those high-profile defeats that will worry Ten Hag the most.

United did manage to take a pre-arranged penalty shootout in Los Angeles, with Jadon Sancho scoring the winning penalty to secure victory: 4-3.

Mason Mount also looked promising as he revived his career at United after spending a long time on the sidelines in his debut season.

Man Utd’s remaining training schedule

July 31: Man Utd vs Real Betis – Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, kick-off 19:00 local time (05:00 UK time on 1 August)

3 August: Man Utd vs Liverpool – Brice Stadium, South Carolina, kick-off 7.30pm local time (00.30am 4 August UK time)

August 10 – Community Shield: Man City vs Man Utd – Wembley, kick-off 3pm

Arteta praises Arsenal spirit after comeback win

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the team spirit after beating United in California.

“It was a test,” Arteta said. “There are no three points, but there are many things on the table and you saw that.

“I think both teams were the same. Man Utd were also playing at the highest level and that’s what you want, you want to be well prepared for the games we have in the league and the Champions League. You have to understand where your team is as quickly as possible.”

“There are obviously different layers and different things that we need to improve and get better at, but I think we have a good base at the moment.

“The atmosphere is good, the way the boys work and commit, the will to fight and win is there. I have tried to make the most of the last two weeks to give them the best possible foundation.”

On Jesus’ form in pre-season, the Arsenal manager added: “He looks really good, he looks really sharp. He changed a lot in the summer and he’s come back in top condition.

“When you have that baseline, other things can be built, but without that foundation we don’t have a player and he needs to be in that condition to get the best out of himself. He has achieved that and I am very happy with what he has shown again today. You can see in the way he looks, the way he moves and you can see in his eyes that there is a spark.”

Arsenal’s remaining training schedule…

July 31: Arsenal vs Liverpool – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, kick-off 7.30pm local time (12.30am August 1 UK time)
August 7: Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen, Emirates Stadium, kick-off 6pm
August 11: Arsenal vs Lyon, Emirates Stadium, kick-off 2pm