Leny Yoro, the young French centre-back, recently made headlines with a message directed at Manchester United fans after his remarkable debut against Rangers at Murrayfield. This friendly match saw United secure a 2-0 victory over their Scottish counterparts, with goals scored by Amad Diallo and Joe Hugill, each finding the net on either side of the half-time whistle.
The match was notable for several reasons beyond the scoreline. Fans were excited to see Jadon Sancho don the United jersey once again, marking his return to the squad following encouraging discussions with manager Erik ten Hag. Additionally, Andre Onana made his first pre-season appearance, demonstrating his intent to continue the impressive form he exhibited in the latter part of the previous season.
However, much of the buzz centered around the debut of 18-year-old Leny Yoro, who had officially joined Manchester United from Lille just days before, in a deal valued at an initial £50 million, with an additional £12 million in potential future add-ons. Yoro’s performance did not disappoint, as he played the entire first half with a display of confidence and skill that caught the eye of both fans and analysts alike. His adept handling of the ball and defensive prowess were highlighted by a precise crossfield pass to attacking full-back Sam Murray and a crucial last-minute tackle to deny Cyriel Dessers a clear shot on goal.
After the match, Yoro took the opportunity to address the fans via MUTV, expressing his gratitude and excitement. He said, “I want to say thank you to the fans – I hope to see you soon at Old Trafford! My debut was incredible. I am happy with my performance. The staff made me comfortable. For me, it is really good. We go to America for three competitive games. The team will give everything to win them.”
Looking ahead, Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the United States promises to be an exciting venture, with scheduled matches against high-profile teams such as Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool. This tour will serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming Community Shield match against the reigning Premier League champions, Manchester City, set for August 10. Just six days later, United will begin their 2024/25 Premier League campaign by hosting Everton at Old Trafford, marking the start of what promises to be a thrilling season.