Yoro proud of centre-back comparisons

Friday 09 May 2025 11:55

It was clear when Manchester United won the race for Leny Yoro's signature from Lille last summer that we were buying a player with sky-high potential.

Although still only a teenager, the centre-back is going from strength to strength for Ruben Amorim's side and produced another classy performance in the 4-1 second-leg win over Athletic Club that had the fans and pundits purring in admiration.

Not only did he glide forward to assist Mason Mount's key equaliser on the night but there were some moments of real quality among his defensive work too and he is quietly becoming a firm favourite of the Old Trafford faithful.

The assured showings at a young age, and helping the Reds reach the Europa League final, with a date against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao now on the calendar for 21 May, continue elevating Yoro's status but he is taking it all in his stride.

Leny Yoro caught up with one of his idols, Nani, in the dressing room afterwards.

Speaking to journalists after the 7-1 aggregate triumph over Athletic Club in the semi-final, the Frenchman insisted that winning silverware is simply what United should always be about.

"When you play for Manchester United you need to feel this [history]," he said. "This is a club of trophies. I think it will be important to think about this, we’re Manchester United and need to win trophies.

"‘I came to Man United to achieve big things, to win trophies, so when you see players like Rio Ferdinand, [Nemanja] Vidic and [Raphael] Varane, you want to achieve the same things as them, stay in the memory of fans and be a big defender.

"When they compare me to them it’s a real honour, I’m proud of this. I’m trying to be the best I can."

Another former Reds star from the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Nani, provided a special moment for Yoro afterwards.

The ex-Portugal international was one of Leny's idols growing up and he got to meet him in our dressing room, with the 2008 Champions League winner enjoying his time back at Old Trafford on media duty.

Nani posted on X to say: "Back at the Theatre of Dreams. Nights like these remind me why this place will always be home. Congrats to the lads for reaching the final."

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