In a significant blow to Manchester United’s pre-season plans, their new £59 million signing, Leny Yoro, could be sidelined for an extended period due to a foot injury. The 18-year-old French defender, who joined United from Lille just weeks ago, was seen on crutches and wearing a protective boot at the club’s UCLA training base, according to sources within the club.
Injury Details and Immediate Impact
Yoro sustained the injury during the first half of United’s 2-1 pre-season defeat to Arsenal at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday. The injury forced him off the pitch, and he could barely put any weight on his left foot as he left the field. Footage later showed him boarding the team bus with a protective boot, which has heightened concerns about the severity of his condition.
United’s medical team is currently assessing the extent of the injury, and a detailed update is expected soon. Manager Erik ten Hag has not yet commented publicly on the situation and is scheduled to address the media on Thursday ahead of United’s next fixture against Liverpool in South Carolina.
Yoro’s Promising Career
Leny Olivier Yoro, born on November 13, 2005, is widely regarded as one of the most promising young centre-backs in world football. A product of Lille’s academy, Yoro made his professional debut in Ligue 1 in May 2022 at just 16 years old. Over the past two seasons, he established himself as a cornerstone of Lille’s defense, making 32 appearances and scoring two goals in the 2023-2024 Ligue 1 season, with a commendable rating of 6.95.
His performances attracted the attention of Manchester United, who secured his services for €62 million (£52.2 million) on July 19, 2024, making him the most expensive player aged 18 or younger and one of the most expensive centre-backs in history.
United’s Defensive Concerns
Yoro’s injury comes at a critical time for United, who are looking to reinforce their defensive ranks following last season’s injury crisis. The club’s defensive options include seasoned players like Lisandro Martínez and Harry Maguire, alongside young talents like Victor Lindelöf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. However, Yoro was expected to be a key part of Erik ten Hag’s plans for the new season.
United’s Pre-Season and Upcoming Fixtures
United’s pre-season has been a mixed bag so far. They secured a 2-0 victory against Rangers but suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Rosenborg and the recent 2-1 defeat to Arsenal. The team is set to play La Liga side Real Betis in San Diego on Wednesday before facing Liverpool on Saturday.
The Red Devils kick off their Premier League campaign against Fulham on August 16, followed by fixtures against Brighton, Liverpool, and Southampton. The potential long-term absence of Yoro will undoubtedly impact ten Hag’s defensive strategies as the team gears up for these crucial early-season matches.
Looking Ahead
The injury to Leny Yoro reinforces the need for Manchester United to explore additional defensive reinforcements. With the transfer window still open, United may look to bring in more defensive cover to mitigate the impact of Yoro’s absence.
Manchester United fans and football enthusiasts worldwide will be eagerly awaiting further updates on Yoro’s condition, hoping for a swift recovery for the young star who has already shown immense potential in his fledgling career.
