Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has been speaking about his future in the game after an impressive first season at Old Trafford.
Despite signing for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag, Leny Yoro never played a competitive minute for the Dutchman, due to suffering an injury in pre-season.
However, since his return from injury, he has become a key player for Rúben Amorim, playing across the back three in the absence of Ayden Heaven, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.
Next season, Yoro will almost certainly start on the right of the back three, with Noussair Mazraoui his main competition for that position after Victor Lindelof’s departure.
The 19-year-old perfectly suits the role of a wide centre back because he is comfortable when coming up one-on-one against a tricky winger, but can also dominate the box aerially if he has to do so.
After remaining in England for United’s post-season tour, Yoro has now confirmed his future in an interview ahead of the 2025/26 season
Yoro sets United ambitions
At just 19 years old, Yoro has his entire career ahead of him and he has already had clubs like Real Madrid interested in signing him and he has now set his ambitions for his time at Old Trafford.
In an interview with Rising Ballers, Yoro said: “I hope I will stay here for sure in Manchester,” when asked about where he sees himself in the next five years. Can say I won some titles… maybe one child. Something like that.”
However, that will likely depend on the performances of the rest of the United squad, as a player with the potential of Yoro won’t want to stay at a club finishing 15th in the Premier League for very long.
He was later asked what advice he would give to his 12-year-old self if he could go back and speak to him seven years on.
“Don’t give up with the injuries because I had a lot of injuries,” said Yoro. “I was like, ‘it’s not possible to continue like that, with the injuries. I cannot be better to improve myself.’ But I didn’t give up. I prayed a lot for this and I’m here now.”
Defensive dilemma next season
With no Champions League football due to losing the Europa League final, Amorim could have too many defensive options and may have to leave some players unhappy with their lack of game time.
Harry Maguire and Mazraoui have both been key players this season, but there is a chance that both go into next season as backup options to de Ligt and Yoro.
Read More: What Ruben Amorim said about Jadon Sancho as Chelsea opt to send winger back to Manchester United
Luke Shaw’s injury struggles may leave him without a regular place in the first team, even Heaven could see himself without a regular spot in the team if Martinez impresses when he returns from injury.
Diogo Dalot, who started the majority of the season at right wing back, will almost certainly play backup to Amad if Bryan Mbeumo joins the club. Youngsters Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson could also be without minutes after their cameos towards the end of last season.
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