Manchester United suffer double injury blow in Real Betis win - Reports

Manchester United reportedly suffered a double injury blow in their 3-2 pre-season win against Real Betis on Wednesday (31 July) in San Diego, California. The Red Devils' tour of the United States of America is seemingly not going to plan as far as injuries are concerned.

Rasmus Hojlund and £52 million summer signing Leny Yoro both went off injured in their 2-1 pre-season friendly loss against Arsenal on 28 July. Now, it is being reported (via Metro) that both Antony and Marcus Rashford picked up issues against Real Betis.

The English superstar scored his team's opening goal from the penalty spot (18') and assisted Casemiro's strike (31') which put Erik ten Hag's team 3-1 in front. However, he was later on the end of a challenge from Sergi Altimira where the Real Betis midfielder stepped on his right foot.

Rashford was brought off in the 63rd minute for Hannibal Mejbri and he was seen walking off the pitch with a slight limp. Antony, who was among the substitutes brought on around the hour mark, was then forced off in the 86th minute.

The Brazilian walked off the pitch and was seen taking off his wrist tape in frustration as he walked straight into the tunnel with the club's physio. It comes amid a difficult spell for the 24-year-old where he is struggling for form, having registered just one goal and an assist in 29 league games last season.

Rashford is arguably in the same boat. The 60-cap England international failed to score or assist in April and May for his club and was dropped from Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad for the 2024 UEFA Euros.

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"I can't wait" - Amad Diallo excited for new season ahead at Manchester United

Amad Diallo's chances of getting more playing time will only increase if Antony and Marcus Rashford are sidelined with injuries for the coming weeks. The Ivorian notably featured in his team's last seven league games of the 2023-24 season, scoring and assisting once.

Diallo missed a huge chunk of the last campaign with a knee injury, but he has looked in fine form after returning to action in February. He was at his sparkling best against Real Betis, scoring and assisting a goal each while playing a big role in the third.

It was, after all, Diallo's corner kick that found its way to Marcus Rashford, who in turn assisted Casemiro. Speaking of the season ahead, the 22-year-old winger said (via Manchester Evening News):

"I want to step up this season because I'm so motivated. I'm excited and I can't wait to start the season."

Diallo was signed by the Red Devils for £37 million from Atalanta in January 2021 and has been loaned out twice since then. He has a total of 21 senior appearances for Manchester United under his belt, registering three goals and two assists.