Man Utd's plans for when every player is fit speaks volumes about Leny Yoro transfer
Erik ten Hag may not have room in defence to field Leny Yoro despite spending a fortune on the prospect this summer. Manchester United splashed an initial £52million to beat Real Madrid to Yoro's signature, only for the former Lille prospect to suffer a foot injury during a pre-season clash against Arsenal.
The teenager isn't expected to be back until November, but Yoro's chances of starting don't appear to be that bright even if he were fit. That's thanks to the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt, the more senior signing in central defence who has a history with Ten Hag.
Despite the massive price attached to Yoro's arrival, the player was always recruited with the long game in mind given his age. And it appears he may not get the minutes he'd hope for at Old Trafford in the foreseeable future.
Related articles Man Utd given Matthijs de Ligt transfer problem because of Leny Yoro Man Utd told they are ‘asking for trouble’ by Sir Alex Ferguson’s former coach Man Utd's dream line-up if PSG midfielder signs in Jadon Sancho swap dealThe Athletic reported Ten Hag is expected to field De Ligt in a partnership with Lisandro Martinez if blessed by a fully fit selection. De Ligt was signed as a supposed upgrade on Harry Maguire, who has frequently been fielded as the aerial threat in defence to counterbalance Martinez's height deficit.
function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&vp_content=plembed3e7arguyxmsj&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)} window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})The Netherlands international is still bedding in at United and played only 10 minutes or so when he came on for his Premier League debut in the recent 1-0 win over Fulham. Ten Hag finished that fixture with three central defenders on the pitch after Jonny Evans also entered the fray, opening up the possibility of more flexibility at the back in future.
Regarding Yoro's starting XI prospects moving forward, there's also the fact the 2005-born talent will likely require some time to acclimate to the rigours of the Premier League. England's top flight has a notorious reputation as a tough testing ground for young, foreign talent, and not even Yoro's massive transfer fee can guarantee he'll stand up to the task.
Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez look likely to start for United this season (Image: Getty) Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
It begs the question as to whether United - who are coming off their worst Premier League finish of all time - would have been better-placed spending that money elsewhere. The club is currently in talks to sign midfield general Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, while an elite striker is also needed given youngster Rasmus Hojlund's struggles as the first-choice frontman last term.
With the Dane also sidelined at present, attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes started as the team's most advanced attacking outlet against Fulham. Ten Hag experimented with his captain up front in pre-season, but the results have not been that promising.
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Yoro gained impressive experience with Lille before making the move to Old Trafford, earning his senior debut at 16 and racking up 60 first-team appearances for Les Dogues. However, the pressure of his price tag and reviving the hopes and dreams of the United faithful is a new challenge both he and the club are hoping he can withstand.
For the time being, at least, his injury absence means any questions over his absence from the XI will be put on hold. However, there's a chance both parties may come to wonder whether his potential is being somewhat wasted should he fail to feature in Ten Hag's more immediate plans.
Man Utd's plans for when every player is fit speaks volumes about Leny Yoro transfer
Man Utd's plans for when every player is fit speaks volumes about Leny Yoro transfer
Man Utd's plans for when every player is fit speaks volumes about Leny Yoro transfer
Man Utd's plans for when every player is fit speaks volumes about Leny Yoro transfer
Man Utd's plans for when every player is fit speaks volumes about Leny Yoro transfer
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