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Manchester United defender Rafael has left the club's tour of the US to return to England for treatment on a groin injury.

The 24-year-old Brazilian clutched his right groin during a shooting drill at Denver's Sports Authority Field and left the training session 20 minutes before the end.

He missed United's 3-2 win over Italian side Roma in the International Champions Cup in Denver on Saturday.

With the injury likely to prevent the full-back playing in any of United's remaining tour fixtures, the club have taken the decision to send the player home for further treatment in a bid to get him fit for the new season.

A statement on United's website read: "As he was unlikely to participate in the remaining tour games, returning to the Aon Training Complex affords the best overall option for his recovery in time to continue preseason preparation when the team returns."

Rafael, who joined United from Fluminense in August 2008, made 29 appearances for the club last season.