Ruben Amorim is generally not one to put his own players on a pedestal, preferring instead to keep them on the ground, so if he tips a youngster to become ‘one of the best in the world’, people will take notice.
It is clear to see that Ruben Amorim is already much happier with this Man Utd squad than he was with the one last season.
That is despite only three new signings (Diego Leon was signed in January), and only one major outgoing in the form of Marcus Rashford.
Internal improvement is the mantra for success, and one Man Utd youngster has already impressed Amorim so much that he was willing to break his own man-management rule and tip him to be one of the best in the world.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox – Premier League/Getty ImagesRuben Amorim sets peak target for Leny Yoro
United generally had a great first pre-season under Amorim, winning three and drawing two of their five games, and showing a recognisable pattern of play.
There were many big winners from the pre-season, but arguably the biggest one of all was Leny Yoro, who solidified an undroppable status.
It was a complete 180-degree turn for the 19-year-old Frenchman when compared to the last pre-season, his first one for the club.
He got injured in the second game last season, and that setback had him playing catch-up from the moment he returned, despite showing some world-class glimpses.
Ahead of this season, with a sterling pre-season in his bag, Amorim has tipped his hat to his improvement, saying he can become one of the best in the world.
He said: “I think [Leny Yoro] can be one of the best centre-backs in the world. He improved a lot with the physicality. In the small things, he’s stronger; in set pieces, he’s getting the ball quite a lot. He’s going to be much better this season.” [Near the 5.55 minute mark]
Yoro is the crown jewel of thriving defensive ranks at Man Utd
Yoro is finally realising the potential that forced Ineos to break their transfer philosophy to sign him, so they must be feeling a great sense of vindication.
At the same time, the most encouraging thing is that Yoro is just a part of a thriving Man Utd defensive make-up, full of youngsters with world-class potential.
Ayden Heaven broke out of nowhere last season and exceeded expectations, while the likes of Matthijs de Ligt are still young despite being around forever.
Going further down the pecking order, talents like Daniel Armer, Godwill Kukonki, and Jayden Ngwashi will be itching for a breakout a few years down the line.
Yoro might become the best in the world in a few years’ time, and by then, he will have an army of players who will be in the same position as he is today.