It was already shaping up to be a tough evening for Manchester United, and things got even worse when promising young defender Leny Yoro was forced off the pitch with an injury during their 2-0 defeat to West Ham.
The 18-year-old went down without any contact, immediately grabbing his left foot in discomfort. Medical staff rushed on to assess him, but it was clear something wasn’t right.
Just seven minutes into the second half, Yoro was subbed off and replaced by Harry Maguire, heading straight down the tunnel for further evaluation.
Race Against Time for the Europa League Final
This injury couldn’t have come at a worse time.
With just 10 days to go until the Europa League final against Tottenham, United now face an anxious wait to see if Yoro will recover in time.
The defender has been a key part of the squad, and his absence would be a significant setback.
However, manager Ruben Amorim sounded cautiously hopeful after the match, saying the injury may not be as serious as it first appeared.
“He had a similar issue earlier this season,” Amorim told Sky Sports.
“We hope it’s nothing major.
I don’t want to speculate too much, but it might not be a big problem.”
West Ham Punish a Sluggish United
West Ham capitalized on United’s shaky performance, taking the lead in the 26th minute through Tomas Soucek, who slotted home from close range.
Things went from bad to worse just before the hour mark when Jarrod Bowen doubled the Hammers’ lead.
The goal came after Manuel Ugarte lost possession deep in his own half, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross was turned in by Bowen.
United simply couldn’t find their rhythm, and the goals they conceded reflected that.
Amorim Frustrated with Lack of Urgency
After the game, Amorim didn’t mince his words when talking about the team’s mindset.
“The goals we conceded were avoidable,” he said.
“There’s a lack of urgency—no energy.
That’s what worries me the most.
You can feel it from the first minute.”
He went on to say the team shows a completely different level of intensity in European games, but that inconsistency is a major concern.
“It’s not just what happens on the pitch,” he added.
“It’s an issue that runs deeper.
If we can’t fix it, maybe it’s time for some of us to step aside and let others take over.”
Bigger Problems Beyond the Final
Looking ahead, Amorim made it clear that winning the Europa League won’t magically fix United’s deeper issues.
“Of course, we’ll be more focused in the final,” he said.
“But that’s not the point.
We need to bring that same focus to every game.
Whether we lift the trophy or not, the problems in this club won’t disappear overnight.”