The French defender shines in preseason as Michael Carrick’s rejuvenated squad eyes a return to glory, blending tactical versatility with an ambitious vision for silverware.
Ayden Heaven & Leny Yoro are Man Utd's FUTURE!
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Manchester United played their third preseason match yesterday, facing Atletico Madrid in Sweden. Michael Carrick's side came from behind to win the match 2-1, thanks to a second-half brace from Bryan Mbuemo.
There were lots of positives for United to take from the match. The likes of Mason Mount and Andrey Santos were outstanding in midfield, and Leny Yoro impressed at right-back once again. In addition, a number of academy graduates made appearances, and there were some exciting performances from United's young Reds.
Shea Lacey started the match in attacking midfield and had some moments of real quality. He contributed to United's revival by winning a penalty after some clever skill which led to Mbuemo converting from the spot.
Alongside Lacey, youngsters Jack Fletcher, Jim Thwaites, Harry Amass, Ethan Williams and Daniel Armer also featured. Exciting talent JJ Gabriel also made his first appearance at just 15 years old. This is exciting for the club and shows Michael Carrick's desire to integrate and develop United's youth.
Yoro echoes Mbuemo's hopes of big season
A standout for Michael Carrick's team so far this summer has been Leny Yoro. The Frenchman has been filling in at right-back for the absent duo Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, who are enjoying a well-deserved break after their World Cup campaigns.
Whilst Yoro is primarily a centre-back and has played the majority of his senior career there, he has shown he can be versatile and effective in a slightly different role. His time at United has been difficult for the most part, but there have been some encouraging signs over the two years.
When speaking to the press, the 20-year-old expressed his hopes for a big upcoming season and even suggested United could challenge for the title.
"We’re Man United, so we have to think like that. And I know we have the potential to do it, so we have to do it.
“The mood is really good. We work really hard, and outside the pitch, we have a good vibe, good mood.
“So the target this season is to win every game, to be honest. For the team to be the best, for myself to do good games every time, to win trophies, and to be at the top.”
Yoro's teammate and close friend, Bryan Mbuemo, shared the same attitude when he spoke to the media after the match.
When asked what United could achieve this season to build on a positive end to the last campaign, Mbuemo replied, "We will see," while struggling to hold back a cheeky smile.
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What does Yoro's United future look like?
Michael Carrick has stuck with a pairing of Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven at the back in all three of United's preseason matches so far. The partnership is balanced, with one right-footer and one left-footer, and blends experience and youth, physicality, and contrasting styles.
Yoro has operated at right-back, due to the absences of Dalot and Mazraoui, but has put in some impressive displays. It is unlikely that we will see this once the pair returns, but it gives Carrick options.
Both Yoro and Heaven are very young but very exciting talents for United. There is a lot of potential there, and many hope they can grow into a frightening partnership in the future.
But so far, whilst Heaven has impressed, Yoro has struggled to match that level at times. With Matthijs De Ligt still sidelined due to injury and Harry Maguire getting older, this season could be an opportunity for Yoro to step up and claim a spot in Carrick's team.
After the match, Yoro said: “I know I did a great season but I know I can do much, much better. I know my potential, for sure, and I hope I’m going to have a really good, good season.
“Obviously, I have no excuses, but I hope I’m not going to be injured this season, and I’ll show to everyone what I can do.
“Sometimes people forget I am still only 20, still a lot to learn, so I have a lot to improve.
“And like I said, I know my potential, I can learn a lot. I can improve a lot. So I hope this season’s gonna be a big, big step for me as well.”