-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim can finally begin to utilise the services of talented young centre back Leny Yoro as the defender begins to reach full match fitness after a number of consistent appearances in recent weeks.
Yoro’s start to life at Old Trafford was stunted by a foot injury sustained while on pre-season tour in the USA with the centre back missing the first three months of his first season at United after he underwent surgery after the friendly against Arsenal.
Prior to joining United in the summer, Yoro was lauded as a generational talent by much of Europe’s elite with Real Madrid being alleged to be the frontrunners in the race to sign the defensive prodigy from his boyhood club Lille.
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However, it was Manchester United who swooped in to sign the French youth international in a deal worth over £50million much to the delight, and also intrigue of the United supporters.
The Frenchman’s signing felt like a step in the right direction under INEOS as it emphasised how United were still able to obtain some of Europe’s most sought after talent amid competition from fellow super clubs such as Real Madrid.
Despite signing for the club under Erik Ten Hag’s management, Yoro never actually made a competitive appearance for the club under the Dutchman’s guidance with his injury rehabilitation coming to an end after Ten Hag had been sacked.
With the incoming head coach Ruben Amorim playing three centre backs in his system, it was projected that Yoro would be a key part of his plans once he returned to the match day squad.
The young defender’s United debut finally took place in December as he came on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat away at Arsenal. Despite the scoreline and only playing 31 minutes at the Emirates, Yoro impressed on debut showing off his lightning recovery speed, a characteristic made more impressive by the fact that he stands at 6ft 3in tall.
Since his debut, Yoro has made three starts under Amorim while also appearing regularly from the bench when called upon.
Yoro emphasised his defensive talents most in an impactful appearance off the bench at Anfield, where he raced back to the United defensive line to complete a spectacular sliding tackle on Darwin Nunez that diverted the ball away from Andre Onana’s goal in the nick of time.
With United returning to the Emirates for a second time this season on Sunday, Yoro has put himself in contention to start against Arteta’s side in the FA Cup and his talented defensive qualities may be required if United wish to defend their title in the competition.