Man Utd 'make contact' with free agent in surprise move after Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro injury setbacks

Manchester United have 'initiated contact' with a free agent following injury setbacks to both Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro, say reports.

It was confirmed earlier this week that summer signing Yoro has undergone surgery after suffering a fractured metatarsal in his left foot during United's pre-season clash against Arsenal.

The 18-year-old centre-back, who arrived at Old Trafford last month from French side Lille, is expected to be sidelined for around three months.

Erik ten Hag has been extremely unlucky when it comes to injuries, with Rasmus Hojlund also being ruled out for several weeks following an injury in pre-season.

And ahead of Saturday's Community Shield clash against Manchester City, he confirmed that four players could miss the showpiece event at Wembley.

“Harry Maguire missed the game [vs Liverpool] and was a precaution but is still a question mark for Saturday," he said. "So we have to see whether he is fit enough or not to be available."

Ten Hag added: “Victor [Lindelof] played but also he’s a question mark and also Azza [Aaron Wan-Bissaka] and Luke Shaw are both question marks, we have to assess them tomorrow [Friday].”

The Dutchman failed to provide a further update on Shaw's condition but on Friday morning, a report emerged that could suggest United are ready to add another defender to their ranks.

According to Máximo de la Cruz Ramírez, the club have made initial contact with former Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso, who is currently a free agent.

The 29-year-old, a Spanish centre-back who Diego Simeone also used as a left-back, is reportedly asking for a gross salary of €6 million [£5.1m], as well as a three-year contract.

"For now, negotiations are in the initial phase and we will have to see how they develop," says Ramirez.

Image credit: Getty

Hermoso made 174 appearances in all competitions for Atletico across a five-year spell.

He memorably lifted the La Liga title with Los Colchoneros in 2020/21 – a campaign in which they conceded 25 league goals as Hermoso played 31 times.

It has also emerged that Hermoso's representatives have offered the player to Aston Villa and West Ham, according to AreaNapoli, after his contract at Atletico expired in June.