Leny Yoro (foto: Getty Images)
Leny Yoro’s Manchester United move has stalled amid injuries and lost confidence, but the French defender insists he has no regrets despite slipping out of the spotlight.
Leny Yoro, once pursued by Real Madrid, has all but disappeared from the Manchester United picture. The centre-back’s career at Manchester United has stalled, even as he publicly insists he does not regret the move.
United went all-in to beat Madrid to Yoro’s signature, paying €62 million to sign the defender from Lille in the summer of 2024. He arrived at Old Trafford labelled one of the most promising young centre-backs in European football.
A nightmare start
The move quickly turned into a test of patience. An ankle injury ruled Yoro out for the first four months of the season, delaying his debut until 4 December. When he returned, individual displays were not matched by results.
United finished 15th in the league, winning only two of the 12 Premier League matches Yoro started — both against relegated sides, Southampton (3–1) and Ipswich (3–2).
Despite the turmoil, Yoro remained firm in his conviction.
“Not even last season did I ever feel regret. I know Manchester United — sometimes you go through a bad period, but it’s a top club, so you can’t doubt that,” he told The Guardian.
Confidence shaken
He began the current campaign as a starter, but a turning point came against Crystal Palace. After conceding a penalty converted by Jean-Philippe Mateta, Yoro was substituted in the 55th minute, visibly distraught on the bench.
From that moment, his role diminished sharply. He has started only four of United’s last 10 matches, and was substituted in three of those. His most recent start came in a FA Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion (1–2).
Even less space under Carrick
Since the arrival of Michael Carrick, Yoro’s minutes have been even harder to find. He remained on the bench for wins over Manchester City (2–0) and Arsenal (3–2), and played just one minute in a dramatic victory over Fulham (3–2), coming on in stoppage time.
With Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez performing solidly as a partnership, there are few signs that Yoro’s situation will change soon.
For now, the highly rated defender has slipped out of view — a stark contrast to the expectations that accompanied his blockbuster arrival at Old Trafford.