Manchester United’s young defender, Will Fish, was consoled by manager Erik ten Hag as he was carried off on a stretcher during their 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.
The 21-year-old centre-back was shown a yellow card for his reckless challenge on Liverpool’s Harvey Blair but ended up being the one needing medical attention. He remained on the ground, clutching his face as United’s medical team rushed to his aid and quickly called for a stretcher.
Fish’s right leg was secured in a brace before he was carried off the pitch and down the tunnel. United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, took a moment to console the young player, who looked visibly upset with the new season just around the corner.
Having spent his entire senior career at United, Fish has only made one appearance for the first team. His debut came in May 2021 during the final match of the 2021/22 Premier League season, where he was subbed on during a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
United’s pre-season has been far from smooth sailing, with losses to Rosenberg, Arsenal, and now Liverpool. Despite victories against Rangers and Real Betis, they had already lost two key players to injury before Fish’s unfortunate incident on Saturday.
The loss to Arsenal was particularly harsh, with Rasmus Hojlund and new signing Leny Yoro both sustaining serious injuries. Hojlund is anticipated to be out for six weeks, while Yoro could be sidelined until October, missing the start of the new season.
Yoro had just joined United after the Red Devils finalised a £52 million deal with French team Lille for the 18-year-old. If Yoro’s prognosis is correct, he could miss nine Premier League matches and the beginning of United’s Europa League and Carabao Cup campaigns.
United’s pre-season has now concluded, with their next match scheduled at Wembley Stadium against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on August 10. Ten Hag would have liked a more upbeat performance from United going into the game against their fierce rivals, but must now focus on moving past Saturday’s match.
Fabio Carvalho gave Liverpool the lead within 10 minutes by outmanoeuvring Casemiro in the penalty area, and Curtis Jones doubled their advantage before half-time. Kostas Tsimikas added a third in the second half, securing a comfortable win for new head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool also triumphed over Arsenal on Wednesday, with Carvalho scoring the decisive goal after Mohamed Salah opened the scoring. Kai Havertz managed to score one for Arsenal, but Liverpool maintained their lead.
