Ayden Heaven has spoken highly about Leny Yoro’s key characteristics as a fellow centre-back in the Manchester United squad.
The one department Manchester United are well stocked in is centre-back, with Harry Maguire set to earn a new deal at the end of the season.
For that reason, United are unlikely to invest in any new centre-backs when the transfer window opens, unless an opportunity becomes available that is too good to turn down.
United have Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt out injured at the moment, but there’s also Maguire, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven as options to interim head coach Michael Carrick.
Ayden Heaven training at Carrington
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
What are your expectations for Leny Yoro’s Man Utd career?
Yoro graphic
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Ayden Heaven impressed by Leny Yoro
United have been on an impressive run under Carrick and sit third in the Premier League, with just seven games remaining.
Carrick could have a decision to make when United return from the 24-day break due to Maguire’s suspension, after getting sent off in United’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth last time out.
The 44-year-old will have Yoro and Heaven available, but it remains to be seen if Martinez will return in time from injury.
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Heaven, who has yet to earn his first start under Carrick, has been talking to club media about his teammates when asked about Yoro.
“As a player? Quick, really quick,” Heaven said about Yoro.
“Yeah. Good on the ball, good in the air. He’s got all you need, really, as a centre back. He’ll be top.”
The pair could be partnered at the heart of defence against Leeds, but they’ve shown their ability in the past, and Carrick will trust them if he needs to.
Heaven trained with England’s first team earlier this week, which means more valuable experience for the young defender.
Are you confident Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven can handle Leeds with Harry Maguire suspended?
What did you think of Maguire's sending off vs Bournemouth?
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Leny Yoro on duty for France U21s
Heaven and Yoro have been selected by their respective countries this month, with both players still playing youth football on the international stage.
England U20 manager Neil Ryan called up Heaven.
Meanwhile, Yoro represents France at U21 level again, as they beat Luxembourg 5-1 and are looking forward to facing Iceland.
Yoro will be hoping to get a chance in the French senior team after the 2026 World Cup.
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