Amorim introduced Yoro in the second half. (Image: 2024 AMA Sports Photo Agency)
Ruben Amorim gave Leny Yoro his debut when Manchester United were 1-0 down in the second half against Arsenal on Wednesday and the youngster had two choices: sink or swim.
Yoro was thrown into the deep end against title contenders at The Emirates and the armbands weren't required. United may have conceded another after Yoro's introduction, but his cameo was positive and it should be the beginning of an exciting journey for the youngster.
The Frenchman won 100 per cent of his aerial duels, won three of his four attempted tackles and recorded two passes into the final third, meaning he did well in tough circumstances. There was also a moment when Leandro Trossard burst into the box and Yoro perfectly timed his challenge - there was no margin for error - to clear the danger with an extended leg.
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Yoro didn't look overawed by the occasion. He looked incredibly comfortable, despite playing his first competitive game for eight months, and Amorim praised his performance.
Amorim was asked about Yoro by talkSPORT and said: "You can feel it, the talent, the speed, the way he handled one against ones in a difficult stadium after a lot of time without playing."
Yoro was described as a "special talent" and "really fast" by Amorim at his pre-Arsenal press conference and his return to fitness is a timely boost ahead of a hectic winter schedule.
United splashed out €62million (£51.8m), with an additional €8m (£6.6) in add-ons, to sign Yoro from Lille in July and believe he can develop into one of the world's finest defenders. Although Yoro's injury was a blow, club sources viewed his lay-off as an opportunity for him to settle into life in Manchester and familiarise himself with his new surroundings, which was an approach that Sir Alex Ferguson would take with new signings who picked up injuries.
Yoro came on in the 59th minute. (Image: 2024 AMA Sports Photo Agency)
Yoro has all the qualities to excel in a back-three and could become a star for United. Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt seems set to be the first choice defensive three for the remainder of the season and they will provide a solid foundation to win games from.
Just as Amorim suggested, it doesn't take long to feel Yoro's quality when you watch him and that was even the case when he made his first appearance of pre-season against Rangers. There were jokes that Yoro was a future Ballon d'Or winner after that game at Murrayfield in Scotland, but in all seriousness, United have a talent and a genuine prospect on their hands.
Real Madrid were in the race to sign Yoro. Attracting interest from Los Blancos speaks volumes and there is a feeling they might have missed out on signing a gem of a young player.
You'd struggle to find many 19-year-olds - Yoro only celebrated his birthday a few weeks ago - who could come on against Arsenal away from home and look unflustered by the occasion.
Although United were poor in the first half and Arsenal were deserving winners, there were a few positives to take from the performance and Yoro's cameo was undoubtedly among them.
United defended bravely in the first half and demonstrated defensive organisation that was lacking with Erik ten Hag in charge. Yoro never made an appearance under Ten Hag, who signed him, but he felt like an Ineos signing and not someone who the Dutchman was responsible for.
Yoro has a bright future ahead and his cameo against Arsenal should only be the beginning.