Manchester United battled to a 2-2 draw against Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash, but while most of the spotlight tends to fall on established stars like Bruno Fernandes or Casemiro, it was a relatively new face who stole the show and left a lasting impression on the opposition. Lyon’s coach admitted he had initially underestimated United defender Leny Yoro, but by full-time, he couldn’t hide his amazement. He described the young centre-back as shockingly aggressive, confessing that he’d rarely seen such intensity and command from a player in that position.
Yoro, just 18 years old, was a rock at the back for the Red Devils and also managed to score a vital goal just before the break with a powerful header. His reading of the game, maturity on the ball, and unflinching defensive work earned him a standout rating of 9 out of 10. Despite the chaotic nature of the match and a few disappointing performances from key players, Yoro emerged as United’s most reliable presence on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Andre Onana once again found himself at the center of criticism after his blunders led directly to goals. Hojlund also endured a rough night, failing to link up effectively and missing a golden opportunity. Garnacho looked off the pace, unable to offer his usual spark. In contrast, substitute Joshua Zirkzee brought much-needed life into United’s attack and scored with a classy header, prompting calls for him to start in the second leg. Bruno Fernandes, as usual, tried to orchestrate play, but a lack of support around him made it difficult for him to influence the game consistently.
Overall, while it was a mixed performance from Manchester United, the emergence of Yoro as a defensive leader and Zirkzee’s sharp impact off the bench offered hope. As the team prepares for the return leg, questions are already being asked about whether these young talents should take center stage moving forward.
