Man United legend Rio Ferdinand says he is excited about the potential of centre-back Leny Yoro.
Ferdinand played an instrumental role in the Frenchman joining the Red Devils at the start of last season, and speaking to United We Stand, he said that Yoro possesses all the attributes to be a top defender:
“Yeah, I love him. I think his ceiling, I don’t know where his ceiling, how high, [it] could be anything.”
Most Read on ManUNews.com
“He just needs the pieces around him as well to help him as a young kid, but I think he has the nucleus of all the right traits to be a top centre-half and he will be because he wants to be. He’s a hard worker. He’s diligent, but he needs time as well.”
Yoro has had a strong start to the season
The 19-year-old has hit the ground running this campaign, which is a stark contrast to his difficult first year at Old Trafford.
A serious foot injury, which he sustained in a pre-season friendly against Arsenal, meant that Yoro didn’t make his competitive debut for United until the start of December.
By that time, the Red Devils had already sacked Erik ten Hag, with Ruben Amorim having taken the Dutchman’s place in the dugout. It took him a while to find his feet but he had established himself by the end of his first season. This campaign, Yoro has started all three of United’s Premier League fixtures, and he looks set for a long run in the side.
Ferdinand’s role in his transfer to Man United
As mentioned, the former club captain was key to Yoro joining the Manchester club. In his first interview with the club’s official website, the centre-half revealed he had a 10-minute conversation with Ferdinand.
The chat took place two weeks before his arrival at Old Trafford and the defender credits Ferdinand for his role in the move going ahead.
Read more about the Manchester United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here