Leny Yoro was one of the standout stars for Manchester United during the pre-season tour of the United States.
Manchester United ended their pre-season tour of the United States with a 2-2 draw against Everton in Atlanta.
The Red Devils were minutes away from making it three wins from three on tour before an unfortunate own-goal from Amad Diallo gave Everton a late equaliser.
Ruben Amorim was “not happy” with United’s defence after watching his players give away an easy goal for Everton’s equaliser.
But there was plenty to like about Leny Yoro’s performance, with the 19-year-old centre-back continuing his strong form on tour.
Leny Yoro is training at Carrington training complex.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Leny Yoro executed Ruben Amorim’s instruction vs Everton
Amorim stuck to his tactics last summer and United’s results suffered, but there are promising signs in pre-season that players are finally understanding their roles.
That certainly applies to Yoro, who has become “undroppable” in Amorim’s three-at-the-back system.
Following the draw to Everton, Yoro was asked about his role in Amorim’s side, and the French defender revealed that he has been asked to carry the ball forwards out of defence.
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“This is something he is asking of me, I like to do it and I do it well I think,” Yoro said. “So I will continue like this to bring the ball forward to the midfielders and striker.
“The coach asked me to do, so I need to do it.
When asked what Amorim has asked of the squad, Yoro added: “Maybe without the ball to be more aggressive, this is something we did well maybe more in the first two games.
Leny Yoro is one of Europe’s most progressive defenders
After enjoying a strong debut season with United, Yoro has transformed this summer, bulking up and working on his physique.
Despite being just 19 years old he appears to have nailed down a starting spot in Amorim’s side with just two weeks to go until the start of the 2025/26 season.
Yoro explained that Amorim wants him to carry the ball out of defence and progress the ball up the pitch, and stats prove that he is one of the best defenders in Europe at doing just that.
READ MORE: What Leny Yoro is doing in pre-season finally shows Man Utd fans ‘small things’ that Ruben Amorim said they ‘cannot see’
As displayed via DataMB, Yoro ranks in the 95th percentile for forward passes completed compared to defenders around Europe.
He also ranks in the 89th percentile for progressive carries, making him the perfect profile of player to get on the ball and drive United up the pitch during build-up.