United sweat over Leny Yoro’s fitness ahead of the Europa League final
Manchester United are facing the final days of a season that many want to forget. The team have endured a league campaign plagued by mistakes, questionable decisions and disappointing results. Nevertheless, the Europa League final offers a glimmer of hope.
Wednesday’s game in Bilbao against Tottenham represents the last chance to salvage something precious: a trophy and Champions League qualification. However, preparations are not going smoothly. The physical condition of several key players are worrying the coaching staff, the fans and the club. Every detail counts, and the tension is intensifying.
The name of Leny Yoro stands out among the doubts. BBC has reported that the young French centre-back did not take part in Wednesday’s group training session at Carrington, sparking alarm bells. A number of defensive players were also absent, but Yoro is more worrying. Since his arrival, he has been one of the few bright spots. He quickly gained Ruben Amorim’s trust and adapted well to the three central defenders system.
Manchester United need Leny Yoro
Yoro’s injury occurred at an unfortunate moment, during the match against West Ham United, in a move without the ball. He left the pitch in visible discomfort, suggesting a possible muscular problem. Since then, there has been no news regarding the defender’s condition. He did not appear at Wednesday’s open session, suggesting that his recovery is progressing slowly.
While Dalot and Heaven worked separately, Yoro was not even present. The situation is worrying because the most important game of the season is less than a week away. Amorim faces a tricky dilemma: take a risk with a player who has not trained or rely on a defence without its most solid figure.
Manchester United sweat over Leny Yoro’s fitness ahead of the Europa League final, with concerns mounting.
Manchester United sweat over Leny Yoro’s fitness ahead of the Europa League final, with concerns mounting.
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Leny Yoro has provided security, reading and anticipation in a backline that has undergone constant changes. His absence, if confirmed, will leave a void that will be difficult to fill. In Amorim’s system, balance depends on at least one of the three centre-backs maintaining order and aggression at the same time. Yoro has been that profile. He led the way from the back and corrected others’ mistakes.
Without him, the defence loses synchrony. Against an attack like Tottenham’s, any mismatch can be costly. It is true that the Frenchman is only 19 years old, but his influence has been humongous even at this age. Amorim has treated him like a veteran because of the way he plays in big games.
Against Bilbao, his lack of rhythm was noticeable. Now, against a stronger opponent, his possible absence represents more than just a casualty. It changes the tone of the preparation, forces them to move the players and reduces the margin for error. If Amorim decides to risk it, it will be a gamble with a lot at stake. If he discards him, he will have to rely on a defence that has shown little stability without Yoro. Whatever happens, the figure of Yoro already weighs heavily in United’s planning for the final.