Manchester United's decision to allow Dean Henderson to leave the club on loan could now prove costly after David de Gea was forced out of pre-season action early with an injury.
The Spaniard was taking up his usual position between the sticks for the first friendly of the summer out in Thailand against long-time rivals Liverpool when he was replaced by back-up shot-stopper Tom Heaton mid-way through the second half.
It appeared as if De Gea sustained some kind of muscle strain after charging off his line to prevent a Reds goal. The first taste of life under Erik ten Hag is one that has sparked huge excitement among the Old Trafford faithful after a stunning first-half display against Jurgen Klopp's side.
Three goals from Jadon Sancho, Fred and Anthony Martial inside the opening 35 minutes handed United a three-goal cushion and prompt a wave of optimism from the United fanbase after such a torrid time of it last term.
Facundo Pellistri added a fourth late on as two United youngsters linked up perfectly with ex-Atalanta teenager Amad registering the assist.
However, De Gea's substitution marred what would have otherwise been a perfect afternoon during Ten Hag's first game in charge. There are now concerns as to how long United's first-choice goalkeeper will be ruled out of action for.
Those fears are hardly eased by the fact that it was only a mere matter of weeks ago that the club confirmed they have sanctioned the temporary exit of De Gea's deputy Henderson as the England international has joined newly-promoted Nottingham Forest on loan.
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Ten Hag has experienced enough difficulty in the transfer market so far this summer, with the month of June passing him by without making a single signing - the first time this has happened at United since the summer of 2010.
July brought the arrival of Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia but as things stand the former Feyenoord defender remains the only official arrival to date.
That's not for the want of trying it must be said, as United continue to work tirelessly to try and secure the signatures of midfield duo Christian Eriksen and Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong. A fee of around £67m has reportedly been agreed for the latter, though that figure does not include add-ons.
De Gea's injury, if serious, poses Ten Hag with his first real headache as United manager and could force the Dutchman to dip into the transfer market for a new figure in goal.
