Manchester United are yet to give Leny Yoro the platform to shine, but early signs suggest he can live up to his generational potential.
Last summer, all signs pointed toward Leny Yoro joining Real Madrid, before he didn’t and moved to Manchester United instead.
Madrid took Yoro for granted, which allowed United to swoop in and offer him a far better deal with regular football for his development.
The generational defender left Real Madrid stunned by his decision, and since returning from injury in December has proven why he had such a billing.
Yoro has not been perfect in his opening two months for the club but at just 19 years of age, there is still plenty of development to come.
He is showing plenty of signs that suggest he can reach a world-class level with one moment showing his perfect character.
Leny Yoro had no fear of stepping up for penalty shootout
Yoro has had some brilliant moments for United, but the moment that will have brought him the most joy will surely have come in January, scoring in the penalty shootout against Arsenal.
Speaking with club media, Yoro revealed that he was always up to take one.
“The coach asked if I wanted to shoot and I said yes, because why not? I’ve never shot a penalty in my life professionally, so I wanted to try and it went well, so that’s good.
“In training before an FA Cup game, we shoot penalties. So I was a little bit confident but, without the pressure, it’s not the same at training. It’s just the question of choosing a good side and putting the ball in.”
Yoro’s bravery in stepping up in a high-pressure situation, when he is a centre-back, is admirable and in many ways told fans a lot about his mentality – which is vital toward succeeding at United.
Yoro has the traits needed to play for Manchester United
At Manchester United, it is not enough to simply be a talented footballer, but players also need to be strong mentally and have character to cope with the pressure.
Yoro ticks this box with his fearless attitude – which should bode well for him in his development at the club.
The Frenchman has only made five starts in the league for United, boasting an impressive passing rate of 93 per cent accuracy which is in the 89th percentile.
Yoro’s physicality needs improving as he has not impressed in duels – winning just 51 per cent of those he engages in.
However, given Yoro’s age, it would be ridiculous to rule him out.
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