Ruben Amorim has green light to unleash £52m Man Utd signing and give him what he’s been waiting for
Manchester United’s defensive struggles have created an opportunity for young talents to step forward, with Lisandro Martinez’s anterior cruciate ligament injury leaving a gap in the squad. The Argentine defender’s absence is a significant setback, but it presents a chance for 19-year-old Leny Yoro to establish himself in the team. His move to Old Trafford last July, following a £52.2 million transfer from Lille, was seen as a major acquisition given his status as one of Europe’s most promising center-backs. However, his early days at the club were hindered by a fractured metatarsal sustained in a pre-season match against Arsenal on July 26, sidelining him for four months and delaying his first-team integration.
Upon recovering, Yoro made his debut as a second-half substitute in a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on December 4. Since then, he has made 16 appearances for the club, starting eight times. Despite showing glimpses of his potential, he has yet to secure a consistent spot in the starting lineup, with his longest streak of consecutive starts being just three games. Even so, his performances have demonstrated his defensive skills and composure under pressure, hinting at his long-term potential.
With Martinez now unavailable, the need for defensive reinforcements has intensified, forcing manager Ruben Amorim to rethink his backline. Known for his tactical flexibility and preference for a three-at-the-back system, Amorim must decide how to structure his defense. While Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt have been used on the left side, Yoro, naturally a right-sided center-back, could see more action if de Ligt shifts positions. Amorim has shown a willingness to trust young players, pulling Yoro from an under-21 match to keep him with the senior squad, signaling his readiness for more responsibility. His potential inclusion in the upcoming match against Ipswich Town could be the first step in solidifying his place in the team.
Teammates have also voiced confidence in Yoro’s abilities. Veteran defender Harry Maguire praised him as a player with all the attributes needed to become an elite center-back. Such endorsements highlight the respect he has earned within the squad despite limited game time. As he approaches his 20th birthday in November, Yoro is still developing and making up for lost time due to injury. While he remains a work in progress, the current circumstances offer him a chance to accelerate his growth and prove himself as a key figure in United’s defense.
Adjusting to the Premier League’s intensity will be a challenge, especially for a young defender still finding his rhythm. The physicality and speed of English football, combined with the pressure of playing for Manchester United, will test him. However, his technical ability and physical attributes suggest he has what it takes to succeed. Amorim’s tactical approach could also benefit Yoro, as a three-man defense provides additional support and encourages ball-playing defenders, an area where Yoro has already shown promise. This structure could help him develop confidence and consistency in his performances.
The next few matches will be crucial in determining Yoro’s role in the team. With defensive options limited, he is likely to get more playing time, making this period a defining moment in his development. How he performs under pressure will shape his future at the club and influence Amorim’s long-term defensive plans. Given the team’s injury issues and defensive struggles, this is a prime opportunity for Yoro to step up and leave a lasting impression. His performances during this stretch could solidify his place in the squad and prove his value to the coaching staff.
Lisandro Martinez’s injury is undoubtedly a blow to United, but it also serves as a turning point for Yoro. This is his chance to showcase his talent, establish himself as a first-team regular, and justify the hype surrounding his arrival. The coming weeks will determine whether he can rise to the challenge and fulfill the potential that made him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.
