“We will hear some very good news about him soon. He’s a unique player; it’s no surprise Real Madrid wanted him so badly,” said Erik ten Hag, providing an update on Leny Yoro while making a bold prediction about the injured Manchester United defender. “What surprises me is that he’s only 18 years old, but…”

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has spoken highly of summer signing Leny Yoro, calling the young defender “one of the biggest assets in European football.” Yoro, who joined United from Lille, has impressed his new manager despite currently recovering from an unfortunate injury.

 

The 18-year-old arrived at Old Trafford after an impressive season in Ligue 1, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young talents. Yoro’s exceptional passing skills were evident, completing 1,727 passes during the 2023/24 season, making him the most prolific passer among teenagers in Europe’s top five leagues. His performances led to a £52.2 million transfer to Manchester United, where he was expected to continue his rapid development.

 

Yoro made a strong start to his United career, earning praise for his solid debut in a pre-season friendly against Rangers at Murrayfield. His performance highlighted why United were eager to sign him, showcasing his composure, defensive skills, and maturity beyond his years—qualities Ten Hag highly values.

 

However, Yoro’s progress was interrupted during United’s US tour when he sustained a significant injury. He fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot during a friendly against Arsenal, an injury that will likely sideline him for about three months. This means Yoro will miss the first few games of the Premier League season, including key matches against Fulham, Brighton, and Liverpool. He is expected to return to action around September 14th, when United faces Southampton.

 

Despite this early setback, Ten Hag remains optimistic about Yoro’s future. In an interview with Sky Sports, Ten Hag praised Yoro’s maturity and resilience in handling his injury. “We signed him because of his strong personality and maturity,” Ten Hag said. “He’s coping well, staying positive and focused on his rehab. There’s a fire in him, and for his age, he’s incredibly mature. He knows what he wants, and I’m confident he’ll be back soon to help the team achieve success.”

 

Ten Hag also reiterated his confidence in Yoro during an interview with SuperSport, emphasizing that Yoro is a key part of Manchester United’s future. “We’re excited to have him,” Ten Hag stated. “He’s one of the most promising assets in European football. Leny understands he still has a lot of development ahead, and we’re here to support him. Our team provides the right environment and expertise to help him reach his high ambitions.”

 

Ten Hag’s words reflect the strong belief Manchester United has in Yoro’s potential. The club’s investment in the young defender is not only for his current abilities but also for his future development. Despite the injury, the club is confident that Yoro has the qualities to become one of Europe’s top defenders. United’s coaching staff is dedicated to nurturing his talent, ensuring he has the support needed to reach his full potential.

 

As Yoro continues his rehabilitation, the club and its supporters eagerly anticipate his return to the pitch, where he is expected to play a crucial role in Manchester United’s defense. With Ten Hag’s guidance, Yoro is well-positioned to overcome this challenge and contribute significantly to United’s pursuit of trophies in the seasons ahead.