Leny Yoro stunned the football world last year when he snubbed interest from Real Madrid to sign for Manchester United.
Manchester United may have just suffered their worst season in recent memory, and there is a lot of pressure on Ineos to get things right this summer. However, we can still take some positives from the 2024/25 season.
It was a difficult season for new signings, considering the team’s form, the change in management midway through the campaign, and the fact that a squad rebuild is taking place.
That team rebuild will take time, although United appear to be signing lots of young talent with a long-term view on bringing success back to Old Trafford. That was evident when United hijacked Real Madrid’s attempts to sign Leny Yoro from Lille.
United struck gold as one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs decided to move to United over the Spanish giants, even though they compete in the Champions League every season.
Yoro had to wait for his first competitive debut after sustaining a knee injury against Arsenal during a pre-season match. It didn’t take him long to cement a spot in the team after returning to full fitness and making his debut under Ruben Amorim.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Leny Yoro eyes long future at Manchester United
Amorim is being supported by signings in the transfer window, with Matheus Cunha already through the door, but he must also ensure that the players he wants to keep are on the same page.
It will help boost morale within the squad if United can continue to sign better players.
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One player United fans will want to keep hold of is Yoro after seeing glimpses of what he can bring to the team during a difficult season.
Yoro has been one of United’s most important players since breaking into the team last December, making 33 appearances for the Red Devils.
The young French defender also returned from another injury sustained towards the end of the season to ensure he played a part in the Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.
Now, Yoro is planning for the future and believes United can get back to winning titles.
In an interview with Rising Ballers, Yoro was asked where he wants to be in the next five years.
“I hope I will stay here for sure in Manchester,” Yoro said. “Can say I won some titles… maybe one child. Something like that.”
Amorim has a huge job on his hands to get United back to winning league titles, but significant progress can be made in the coming years to make us competitors again.
After finishing 15th in the Premier League, United’s domestic form must improve in the 2025/26 season
Yoro sends message to 12-year-old self
Yoro became one of the most coveted centre-backs in all of Europe at Lille.
Now 19, he is proving himself in the most competitive league in the world.
Yoro has already set an objective for the next five years of his career, but the French starlet was also asked to send a message to his 12-year-old self.
Yoro replied: “Don’t give up with the injuries because I had a lot of injuries. I was like, ‘it’s not possible to continue like that, with the injuries. I cannot be better to improve myself.’ But I didn’t give up. I prayed a lot for this and I’m here now.”
During his short period at United, Yoro has already suffered serious injuries. He will be hoping to stay clear of further setbacks next season.