Manchester United purchased Leny Yoro from Lille in July 2024 for £52.18m, plus potential add-ons. Yoro is only 19 years old but is considered one of the most highly rated central defenders. Since coming to United, Yoro has been an extremely valuable asset for the squad.
Leny Yoro's time at Manchester United so far
In the Premier League, Yoro has made nine starts and seven substitute appearances this season. Yoro was injured during the preseason with a fractured metatarsal and missed the first three months of the seaon after undergoing surgery. Yoro also suffered another injury to his foot during the season against Arsenal, which saw him miss two games.
When he has been healthy, Yoro has shown why he is so highly rated. United have had some torrid defensive performances, but Yoro has been a rock. The Frenchman has looked much more like a veteran player, rather then a 19-year-old.
Yoro has been one of the better defenders of the season for United. He hasn't allowed any player to dribble past him in the last 12 games, an impressive stat for a youngster. This includes the Manchester City and Nottingham Forest games.
Yoro has also stepped up his game when he is in possession of the ball. His passing accuracy and decision-making have greatly improved. Against City, Yoro had a passing accuracy of 89% and 21 of his passes progressed the ball forward. He helped to preserve another clean sheet for the Red Devils, which has been hard to come by this season.
Yoro snagged his first United goal with a header in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals against Lyon. Yoro redirected a Manuel Ugarte shot, which found its way into the back of the net. This goal was crucial right before halftime, after Lyon had taken a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute.
Looking ahead for Leny Yoro
Yoro will need to be a strong defensive presence again to give United an edge at the back against Lyon in the second leg. He can also once again present an attacking threat in the box on set pieces, with a height of 6'3. Yoro, and the rest of the team, need to have another good game to ensure a spot in the semifinals.