Ahead of the Premier League fixture against West Ham, Rúben Amorim came to the defence of Leny Yoro following his mixed display against Crystal Palace.
Manchester United return to action in the midweek match-up against 17th-place West Ham. A win for the Red Devils would see them jump to joint third depending on how other fixtures go.
The start of December marks the start of the gruelling festive period in the league, where all the games come thick and fast.
It’s no surprise that, especially with AFCON approaching and the likes of Amad, Noussair Mazaroaui and Bryan Mbeumo heading off to represent their countries, it leaves the squad a lot more depleted.
Whether players are out of favour or out of form, now is their best chance to take their opportunities in the side and get a consistent run in the team, as rotation during this period is vital.
Amorim supports Yoro despite being Palace display
After adjusting to life in the Premier League last season, Leny Yoro has quickly found himself to be a fan favourite.
However, this season, his performances have been up and down, and understandably so due to his young age. Despite starting the game, the Frenchman had a difficult day at Selhurst Park.
Not only did he give the penalty away that led to Jean-Philippe Mateta taking the lead for the London side, but he was also substituted just after the equaliser was scored for Mazaroui. Yoro visibly showed his frustrations at his performance, with Mason Mount giving him an arm around the shoulder at full-time.
When asked about the defender and how important Mount giving him support at the end of the game was in his press conference, Ruben Amorim was quick to back his player.
He said: “It’s really important. Of course, I also spoke with him because he thinks too much. He makes some mistakes in the game, and then he struggles because he’s too young and he wants to do everything so well.
“And he’s growing. He’s growing in one moment, that everyone here is growing with games, with setbacks, so it’s not easy for him as a young guy.
“Of course, he cannot give that to the people, the way he came to the bench, so he understands that, but he was really frustrated.
“On the good side, he shows that he cares, and he knew that it was not the best game, but he did some things well. And I show him that also, so he’s fit and ready for the next challenge.”
Experience in the squad will help Yoro
Yoro is still only 20, with only two full seasons of top-flight football under his belt. It is easy to throw criticism at him, but people need to be reminded that mistakes will happen as a young footballer.
Not being the main starter in the back line should not be a negative. With Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw,Matthijs de Ligt and Mazaroui, four other defenders can take the burden while Yoro grows.
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He can learn something from each of them, too. With Maguire and Shaw, he can gain a greater insight into learning with the intensity of playing for United as well as dealing with mental setbacks and coming back from them.
Especially in the case of Maguire’s career at United so far, no other player can showcase mental resiliency and coming back when the world is against you better than him.
Even with De Ligt, there is the former Golden Boy award winner who can teach Yoro how best to navigate his career with the pressure of being hyped up like he once was.
Not being a starter right now and eventually being eased back into the lineup to regain his form is ultimately the best thing for Yoro right now. The worst thing that can happen is if mistakes become a regular occurrence and the media begin to hound him.
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