Real Madrid and PSG scouting Man United target following Thierry Henry praise

Real Madrid and PSG are scouting Manchester United defender target Leny Yoro following Thierry Henry’s praise of the 18-year-old.

Manchester United have been linked with 18-year-old Lille central defender Leny Yoro on multiple occasions, with INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanting a new centre-back this summer as the futures of Jonny Evans, Raphaël Varane, and Harry Maguire remain unclear.

Erik ten Hag, who has been involved in transfer planning for the upcoming summer window, will be keen to get business done as soon as possible in order to start working with new players. However, should United dive in for Yoro, they will face fierce competition.

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According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have been regularly sending their scouts to France in order to monitor Leny Yoro. He is said to be one of their “main targets” for both the present and future.

beyond this, Romano has also claimed that French side Paris St-Germain have been working on signing Yoro since January.

France legend Thierry Henry weighed in on Yoro’s talents, telling Le Petit Lillois: “We often talk about Leny. He is having an exemplary start to his career. To establish himself in Lille as he is doing…”

Henry continued: “He always has some young reactions, and that is completely normal. It comes slowly. You make mistakes, and sometimes you get embarrassed.

“(But) he goes on to play one match after another. He starts quite often and quite often is good. It’s really good for him. He is professional. He’s a good guy, well educated. 

“I like him. He performs well. Afterwards, there are always things to refine, but that’s completely normal. Frankly, it’s really a more than positive progression.”

Opinion: Yoro would be great for United

Yoro could be a great fit at United for several reasons, especially considering the demands of both the Premier League and the club’s historical playing style.

The league is known for its physicality and fast-paced nature. Yoro, standing at 190cm, would bring an important physical presence to United’s defence. He would help in aerial duels against physically strong forwards, which can be crucial in set-piece situations, where United has struggled both defensively and offensively.

United also has a history of developing young talents into world-class players, as evidenced by the current trajectories of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Integrating a young centre-back like Yoro into the squad would allow the club to nurture and develop a player who could serve as a cornerstone of the team’s defence for many years. This aligns with INEOS’ long-term planning and investment in future success.

Another benefit of young players is they often bring a level of adaptability and a willingness to learn, which is vital in a league such as the Premier League. Under the guidance of players such as Raphaël Varane (should he stay) and Lisandro Martínez, a Yoro would have the potential to grow significantly, both tactically and technically.

Modern centre-backs are not just expected to defend but also to be comfortable with the ball at their feet, contributing to the team’s build-up play. A young player, potentially more attuned to these requirements, can be moulded to fit into a system that values ball-playing defenders, fitting well into the style Ten Hag wants, which traditionally includes playing out from the back.

Investing in young talent can be economically beneficial in the long term. Should Yoro develop as hoped, his market value could increase substantially, providing the club with either a key player for the foreseeable future or a valuable asset they could sell in the future.

Beyond this, Manchester United specifically need to strengthen their defensive line with a player who can add height, strength, and youth. These are key areas for improvement, and as a young, tall centre-back, Yoro would directly address these needs, possibly improving the team’s defensive record and overall balance.

In summary, Leny Yoro could offer Manchester United a blend of immediate physical presence and long-term development potential, fitting well within the club’s tradition of developing young talents into stars. Such a player could become a pivotal part of the team’s spine, contributing to both defensive solidity and the team’s ability to play from the back.