Leny Yoro is starting to settle down as a Man Utd defender and he has opened up on the chats he’s been having with one of those who went before him.
Leny Yoro produced one of his best displays for United against Athletic Club
As Leny Yoro danced past a challenge and teed up Mason Mount for the goal that settled Manchester United nerves at Old Trafford, there were shades of Rio Ferdinand in his play.
Yoro is growing in confidence as a United player after his £52million summer move from Lille. In recent weeks, his quality on the ball has become more noticeable, not just in terms of his passing but also his marauding forward runs from a position in the back three.
That Yoro is occasionally beginning to resemble Ferdinand – a graceful centre-back who made 455 appearances for the club – is perhaps no surprise, given that the latter has become something of a mentor to the 19-year-old, who has played just 30 games for United.
The teenager takes advice from his manager but is close to Ferdinand. The 46-year-old spoke to the Frenchman when he was close to joining United, and they have remained in touch, speaking not only on camera for an interview but also off-screen as Yoro tries to develop his game.
“I speak a lot with the coach and I’ve spoken to Rio and not always in front of the cameras,” said Yoro. “Sometimes they just give me advice. When a player like Rio can give you advice, you need to take it. I try to do my best and what they tell me to do.”
Social media was awash with comparisons between Yoro and Ferdinand after his starring role in the 4-1 win against Athletic Bilbao, a result that booked United a spot in the Europa League final against Tottenham.
He is also starting to be compared to some other outstanding defenders in United’s recent past, and he has undoubtedly been a bright spot in what has been a difficult campaign for the club.
“Of course, I come to Man United to achieve big things, to win trophies, so when you see players like Rio Ferdinand, Vidic, Varane you want to achieve the same things as them, stay in the memory of fans and be a big defender,” he said.
“When they compare me to them, it’s a real honour, I’m proud of this. I’m trying to be the best I can.
“When you play for Manchester United you need to feel this [history] – this is a club of trophies. I think it will be important to think about this, we’re Manchester United and need to win trophies.
“I’m still a young player, but on the pitch, this means nothing. When you join a big club like Man United you have to settle quickly because the fans are waiting for you, even with a big transfer like I had. So yeah, it was important to settle really quickly.”
Yoro’s start to life at Old Trafford was halted by a metatarsal injury he suffered in just his second pre-season game. He didn’t start a game until December but is now becoming a regular presence in the back three.
“It was difficult for me in the beginning with the injury and even with my performances on the pitch when I first returned,” he said. “But now I’m 100 per cent, I start to be good and I hope to be like that until the end of the season and into next season.”
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