Manchester United are expected to dip back into the transfer market after losing Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro to injury in pre-season.
Summer signing Yoro suffered a metatarsal injury in a friendly against Arsenal, just his second appearance in United colours after his big-money move from Lille. He could be out of action for as long as three months, while £72m man Hojlund is expected to miss six weeks with a hamstring problem.
United were back in action against Real Betis on Wednesday night, winning 3-2 against the Spanish side. However, further injury worries arose as Marcus Rashford and Antony were both forced off.
Manager Erik ten Hag has already added centre-back Yoro and striker Joshua Zirkzee to his squad. Thanks to the latest injuries, though, United may step up their pursuit of one more player in each position.
According to The Telegraph, Ivan Toney is among the attacking options being considered by United. The Brentford frontman is in the final year of his contract with the London side, though it remains to be seen whether the Bees will play hardball after losing fellow striker Igor Thiago to injury themselves.
Danish international Hojlund took until December to score his first Premier League goal for United. While United are confident in the ability of Zirkzee, who top-scored for Bologna last season, it remains the case that he is untested in the Premier League.
At the back, United have already offloaded Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala, while Victor Lindelof could follow. The two players most strongly linked for the position, Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite, both have links with United's coaching staff.
De Ligt starred for Ten Hag's Ajax before moving to Juventus and then Bayern Munich. New Bayern boss Vincent Kompany is prepared to cash in on the Dutchman, though, with a fee in the region of £40m being mooted.
Branthwaite also has Eredivisie experience, having played under United coach Ruud van Nistelrooy at PSV Eindhoven. Everton knocked back an opening bid of £34m plus add-ons before United moved for Yoro, but an improved offer could follow.
In addition to the latest injury crisis, United have lost the services of first-team coach Steve McClaren. The former England manager, who returned to Old Trafford in 2022, has left to take charge of the Jamaican men's national team.
“I want to thank Steve for his tremendous service over the past two years," Ten Hag said. "He has been an invaluable source of support and advice to me since I arrived in English football, helping us achieve two trophies while laying down foundations for further success.“Steve and I have been friends for 16 years since we first worked together at FC Twente and that relationship will continue as he embarks on this next challenge, as will his bond with Manchester United. All of us at the club wish Steve the best of luck in his new role.”