DEVASTATING NEWS: Manchester United’s New Signing Suffers ACL Injury, Out for 6 Months – Fabrizio Romano Reports Live
In a crushing blow to Manchester United’s early preparations for the 2025/26 season, world-renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported live that the club’s newest summer signing has suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a training session and is expected to be sidelined for at least six months.
The news, which broke across Romano’s platforms just hours ago, has sent shockwaves through the United fanbase and the footballing world. After what was seen as a promising acquisition in Erik ten Hag’s rebuild project, this setback not only throws United’s pre-season plans into disarray but also forces the club to reassess their strategy in the transfer market yet again.
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⚠️ Injury Confirmed: “Terrible Blow” for United
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United’s new signing has torn his ACL during training this morning,” Romano revealed in a tweet that garnered over 3 million views within an hour. “Player will undergo surgery and is expected to be OUT until at least February. Devastating injury. Club shocked.”
While the club has yet to officially confirm the identity of the player, multiple sources—including Sky Sports, The Athletic, and ESPN—have verified that the injured party is Jeremie Frimpong, the €35 million summer arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, who had just joined the squad for pre-season after completing his medical last week.
Frimpong, a dynamic right wing-back known for his electric pace and attacking flair, was seen as a cornerstone of Ten Hag’s tactical evolution this season. Now, just days into his United journey, the Dutchman faces a grueling rehabilitation process.
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What Happened?
According to sources close to the club, the injury occurred during a high-intensity tactical drill at Carrington earlier this week. Frimpong reportedly twisted awkwardly after planting his right leg during a 1-vs-1 defensive scenario. Initial fears were confirmed following scans which revealed a full tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The 23-year-old is now set to undergo reconstructive surgery in the coming days, with United’s medical team in consultation with leading orthopedic specialists in London and the Netherlands.
Club insiders have described the mood at Carrington as “gutted,” with teammates visibly shaken by the incident—particularly fellow Dutchman Tyrell Malacia and assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had both played a role in Frimpong’s integration.
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Understanding the Severity
ACL injuries are among the most feared in professional sport. Recovery timelines can vary, but standard rehabilitation lasts around 6 to 9 months. In some cases, players are out for over a year, depending on the complexity of the tear, surgical success, and post-op recovery.
Even after physical healing, it often takes additional months for athletes to regain full confidence, balance, and agility—critical qualities for an attacking full-back like Frimpong. This means that not only will he miss the first half of the Premier League season, but his chances of returning to peak performance in 2025 could also be compromised.
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Tactical Repercussions for United
This injury hits Manchester United hard—and not just emotionally. Erik ten Hag had envisioned Frimpong as a crucial part of his hybrid system, offering width and verticality down the right. The Dutchman was expected to alternate between right wing-back and inverted winger roles, depending on opposition and formation.
Now, with Frimpong unavailable, United are left with Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka—two players who offer defensive solidity but lack Frimpong’s offensive dynamism. Wan-Bissaka is already being linked with a potential sale, but this injury may force United to retain him for depth.
Moreover, Ten Hag’s plans to employ a more fluid back-three shape in attack will likely be put on hold. Without Frimpong, the right flank loses its intended unpredictability, and the coaching staff may need to revert to last season’s more conservative structure.
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Erik ten Hag’s Dilemma: Buy or Wait?
United’s recruitment department now faces an urgent question: should they return to the market to sign another right-sided defender?
Sources indicate the club are already evaluating short-term solutions, including a possible loan signing or activating a release clause for a younger alternative. Reports suggest United could explore players like Jeremie Boga (Nice), Ridle Baku (Wolfsburg), or Djed Spence (Tottenham), although nothing concrete has emerged.
Ten Hag may also dip into the academy, with Ethan Laird and Marc Jurado among the names being considered for pre-season promotions. However, relying on youth for such a pivotal role carries its own risks—especially in a season where expectations will be sky-high for United to return to the top four.
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Squad Impact & Transfer Fallout
The injury doesn’t just affect the right-back slot—it causes ripple effects across the entire squad structure.
Jadon Sancho, previously believed to be on the way out, may now be kept as an emergency option on the right if Dalot or Wan-Bissaka is repurposed.
Mason Mount, who had trained as a false winger in recent sessions, may be forced into wider roles again.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, who were expected to play central roles this season, may be asked to stay wider, changing the entire attacking dynamic.
Furthermore, United’s pursuit of Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman could now accelerate. Though he plays primarily on the left, Lookman’s versatility could be valuable in this moment of tactical crisis.
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Frimpong’s Message: “I’ll Be Back Stronger”
In a brief Instagram post just after Romano’s report broke, Frimpong wrote:
> “This is not how I imagined my start at Manchester United. But life throws challenges for a reason. I’ll be back stronger, better, and hungrier. Thank you all for the support ❤️ #GGMU”
Messages of support flooded in from teammates, former colleagues, and fans. United captain Bruno Fernandes commented: “We’ve got you, bro. You’ll come back even better.” While fellow Dutchman Frenkie de Jong, rumored to join United, wrote: “Stay strong, warrior.”
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What Happens Next?
Manchester United’s medical team has scheduled surgery for early next week, with rehabilitation to be overseen by club doctors and external specialists. Frimpong will miss:
The entirety of the pre-season tour
First 20+ games of the 2025/26 season
Potentially the Africa Cup of Nations (if Nigeria qualify)
Club officials will release a full medical update within 48 hours, but all signs point to February 2026 as the earliest realistic return date.
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Final Thoughts
For Manchester United fans, the 2025 summer window just took a cruel twist. The club’s first major signing—meant to embody a new era of energy and aggression—has been cut down before even making his debut.
It’s a moment that tests not just the player’s resilience, but the club’s adaptability. With Champions League qualification a must, the pressure is now back on Ten Hag, the recruitment staff, and the squad to rally, adjust, and deliver.
Frimpong’s journey with United has taken a heartbreaking detour—but if his spirit and words are any indication, this story is far from over.
“He’ll be back,” one source told Romano. “And when he is, he’ll be ready t
o light up Old Trafford.”
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Story developing… Stay tuned for updates from Fabrizio Romano and club sources.
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