Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his admiration for summer signing Leny Yoro, praising the young defender as “one of the biggest assets in European football.” Yoro, who joined United from Lille, has quickly caught the eye of his new manager, even as he battles to return from an unfortunate injury.
The 18-year-old defender arrived at Old Trafford this summer following an outstanding season in Ligue 1, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most promising talents. Yoro’s exceptional passing ability was on full display, as he completed 1,727 passes during the 2023/24 season—an achievement that not only set him apart in Ligue 1 but also marked him as the most prolific passer among teenagers across Europe’s top five leagues. His performances earned him a £52.2 million move to Manchester United, where he was expected to continue his rapid development.
Yoro made a strong start to his United career, impressing fans and critics alike with a solid debut performance in a pre-season friendly against Rangers at Murrayfield. His display in that match underscored why United were so keen to secure his services, showcasing his composure on the ball, defensive acumen, and the maturity beyond his years that Ten Hag so highly values.
However, Yoro’s momentum was abruptly halted during United’s US tour when he suffered a significant injury. In a friendly match against Arsenal, Yoro fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot, a setback that is expected to sideline him for approximately three months. This injury means that Yoro will miss the first three games of the Premier League season, including crucial fixtures against Fulham, Brighton, and Liverpool. The current timeline suggests that he could return to action on September 14th, when United face Southampton.
Despite the disappointment of losing Yoro to injury so early in his United career, Ten Hag remains optimistic about the defender’s future. In an interview with Sky Sports, the United manager was full of praise for Yoro’s attitude and resilience in the face of adversity. “One of the reasons we signed him is because of his maturity and strong personality,” Ten Hag explained. “He’s handling the injury well, staying positive and focused on his rehab. There’s a fire in him, and for his age, he’s remarkably mature. He’s determined, knows what he wants, and I’m confident he’ll be back soon to help the team win games and trophies.”
Ten Hag’s confidence in Yoro’s ability to overcome this setback is further reflected in his comments during another interview with SuperSport. He reiterated his belief that Yoro is a key part of Manchester United’s future, describing the young defender as one of the most promising assets in European football. “We’re thrilled to have signed him,” Ten Hag said. “He’s one of the biggest assets in European football. Leny understands that he still has a lot of development ahead, and we’re here to support him. We have the right environment and skills in our team to help him achieve his high ambitions.”
Ten Hag’s words underline the faith Manchester United have placed in Yoro’s potential. The club’s investment in the young defender is not just about his current abilities but also his future growth. Despite the injury setback, there is a clear belief within the club that Yoro has the attributes needed to become one of Europe’s top defenders. United’s coaching staff is committed to nurturing his talent, ensuring that he has the support and guidance necessary to fulfill his considerable potential.
As Yoro works through his rehabilitation, the club and its supporters will undoubtedly be eager to see him return to the pitch and continue his journey towards becoming a key figure in the heart of United’s defense. With the backing of a manager like Ten Hag, who has a proven track record of developing young talent, Yoro is well-positioned to overcome this challenge and emerge stronger, ready to contribute to Manchester United’s quest for silverware in the coming seasons.