Leny Yoro, Manchester United’s 19-year-old center-back, was pulled from the Under-21 squad against Altrincham on Tuesday night, sparking speculation about his growing role in the first team.
Yoro, who recently returned to training after recovering from a broken metatarsal in his left foot, had been scheduled to start in the National League Cup match. United’s new head coach, Ruben Amorim, decided to withdraw him after Monday’s training session.
Amorim, leading his first practice at Carrington, tried out Yoro in a back-three formation, placing him on the right alongside Jonny Evans in the middle and Luke Shaw on the left. The promising French defender is expected to feature heavily in Amorim’s plans as United transitions to a 3-4-3 system. He could make his debut in Sunday’s clash against Ipswich Town.
Yoro, who joined from Lille for a fee that could rise to £58.91 million, had a rocky start to his United career after fracturing his foot during a pre-season game against Arsenal in Los Angeles on July 26. Now back to full fitness, he is ready to contribute to a defense that has been plagued by injuries.
Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are both doubts for the trip to Portman Road. Maguire has been out for seven weeks with a calf injury and was absent from Monday’s team training. Martinez, nursing a back injury, recently withdrew from Argentina’s squad after being treated during United’s last game against Leicester City.
There’s some good news on the injury front, though. Tyrell Malacia, who last played for United in May 2023, recently featured for the Under-21s and has been training regularly for over a month. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw, sidelined since February 18, has returned to full training and is impressing as a center-back in both two- and three-man setups.
As United works to rebuild its squad, Yoro’s return offers a glimmer of hope for a more stable defense under Ruben Amorim’s leadership. Fans will be eager to see if the young star can live up to his potential and help United get back to winning ways.
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