Leny Yoro, once hailed as the 'new Varane,' has become the weakest link in Manchester United's defense.

22/12/2025 22:13:00 GameGladiator

In July 2024, just days after Joshua Zirkzee became the first signing of the summer, Leny Yoro officially followed the Dutch striker to Manchester United. At 18, the French center-back was quickly labeled by experts and media as the "new Raphael Varane" — a defensive legend who once thrived at Old Trafford.

The glow of youth and the price of expectations

Like Varane, Yoro came through the youth system of a major club in the Nord region of France. While Varane made his professional debut with Lens, Yoro played his first match for Lille OSC at just 16 in 2022.

Soon after, the 2005-born center-back became a mainstay for Lille, playing a crucial role in helping the club finish fourth in Ligue 1 and reach the Europa Conference League quarterfinals thanks to mature defensive performances beyond his age.

At only 18, Yoro was regarded as one of Europe’s most promising defensive talents. He is notable for his ability to read the game, good positional sense, and limiting passive tackles. His speed enables him to perform effectively both deep and in a high defensive line — qualities that made Varane famous in his youth.

Therefore, Manchester United agreed to pay up to €62 million for a young player with only one year left on his contract, outbidding Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Yoro currently ranks just behind Anthony Martial among the most expensive teenage signings in United’s history. This is not only an investment for the present but also a long-term statement of faith in Yoro.

Leny Yoro was once compared to the "new Varane," arriving at United with great expectations.

The cost of inexperience

However, the Premier League is not Ligue 1. Recent events have revealed the challenges Yoro faces in adapting. The defender has shown he is still too inexperienced defensively in the world’s toughest league.

In late November, the French center-back had a tough afternoon at Selhurst Park as United struggled to come from behind against Crystal Palace. In that match, Yoro was caught out when Jean-Philippe Mateta almost scored from a rebound off Matthijs de Ligt’s header. In the 36th minute, Yoro collided with Mateta inside the box, leading to a penalty that gave Palace the lead.

At that time, former defender Mikael Silvestre candidly pointed out Yoro’s biggest weakness: positioning. "I’ve watched him a few times when he’s in trouble, mainly due to positioning. His starting position and retreating defense often put him in danger. These issues can be fixed quite easily because aside from that, his duel wins and dominance in the air and on the ground are good. Sometimes he’s too focused on the ball and doesn’t make simple movements to put himself in better positions."

According to Silvestre, the solution lies in reviewing footage and thoroughly working on defensive mindset. However, the improvements Silvestre expected have yet to occur. United’s recent 1-2 loss to Aston Villa was the peak of doubts about Yoro’s abilities.

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