Donny van de Beek will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury, though Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is adamant his long-term outlook is encouraging.
Van de Beek was hurt in a collision with Marcos Senesi – who appeared to slip – during United's 3-0 win over Bournemouth on January 3.
The midfielder's leg bent awkwardly at the knee under the weight of Senesi, and although Van de Beek was just about able to walk off the pitch, his reaction suggested it was a serious injury.
Ten Hag confirmed the severity of the damage done on Friday, with the Netherlands midfielder ruled out for the rest of the 2022-23 campaign.
But Ten Hag did try to offer some optimism, with Van de Beek set to return in time for pre-season after avoiding a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
"Yes, it is his knee. On the long-term, it is looking really good, he will be back for the start of pre-season. The rest of the season he is out," Ten Hag said.
