Alejandro Garnacho needed crutches as he left Old Trafford on Sunday, but Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wasn’t overly concerned about the injury.
Garnacho was introduced in the second half of United’s 0-0 draw with Southampton and went down hurt during the latter stages under a challenge from Kyle Walker-Peters.
In the penalty area, the Southampton defender won possession of the ball on the stretch, but Garnacho’s right ankle looked to become wedged between Walker-Peters’ knees.
Garnacho appeared to be in excruciating pain but continued to play until he was substituted in stoppage time as Ten Hag attempted to strengthen United’s 10-man defense.
He was subsequently spotted leaving the stadium with the support of crutches.
ℹ️ Erik ten Hag provided an update on the injury @agarnacho7 picked up during the Southampton fixture.#MUFC || #MUNSOU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 12, 2023
“He was a little bit limping after the bad tackle,” Ten Hag told reporters.
“In the end they brought on another striker, a big and tall one [Paul Onuachu] and I don’t want to go for risk, we were already downsized to 10 [men].
“I didn’t want to go with players who were [just] 90 per cent [fit]. That’s why I called him off, but I think it is not too bad.”
United are next in action on Thursday as they go to Seville to face Real Betis in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
They take a 4-1 aggregate lead to the Benito Villamarin after a comprehensive win at Old Trafford in the first leg.