Manchester United‘s new defender, Leny Yoro, is making significant progress in his recovery from a fractured metatarsal sustained in a 2-1 pre-season defeat to Arsenal in Los Angeles.

Yoro, 18, underwent surgery in early August and was initially expected to be out for around three months.

He is now walking without crutches, a key step in his rehabilitation.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: New Signings (L to R) Matthijs De Ligt, Leny Yoro ( using crutches due to a metatarsal injury ), Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United acknowledge the fans prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Fulham FC at Old Trafford on August 16, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: New Signings (L to R) Matthijs De Ligt, Leny Yoro ( using crutches due to a metatarsal injury ), Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United acknowledge the fans prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Fulham FC at Old Trafford on August 16, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Yoro suffered the injury during the opening half of United’s pre-season game against Arsenal, which dealt a blow to both the player and the team.

The injury sidelined Yoro, a €70 million summer signing from Lille, before he had a chance to fully integrate into the squad. The defender was recently unveiled at Old Trafford before United’s clash against Fulham, where he was seen using crutches.

However, recent updates show Yoro ditching them and stepping up his work in the gym at Carrington as he aims for a November return.

Yoro’s injury occurred alongside Rasmus Hojlund’s hamstring problem, which also stemmed from the same pre-season clash against Arsenal. Both players missed the start of United’s Premier League campaign, with Hojlund initially expected to return in time before being ruled out for six weeks after further assessment. He is now expected back after the international break.

Yoro’s injury is being treated as an opportunity for him to settle into Manchester, similar to Sir Alex Ferguson’s approach to new signings who picked up early injuries. Erik ten Hag addressed the situation, saying, “That’s part of top football, that you go to the edge, and injuries are unavoidable.” He remained positive about both players’ recovery, adding that they are working well with United’s physio team.

While the injury has been a setback, United are optimistic about Yoro’s future at the club. The club views the defender, who impressed in a friendly against Rangers before the injury, as a long-term asset, believing he can develop into one of the world’s best defenders.

Yoro is now targeting a full return to fitness by November. United are hopeful he will be ready for their against Arsenal at the start of December.