17-year-old Lamine Yamal compared to 18-year-old Manchester United star Leny Yoro

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

17-year-old Lamine Yamal compared to 18-year-old Manchester United star Leny Yoro

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 16:17 - 22.07.2024

Manchester United have been praised for signing Leny Yoro who has drawn comparison to Barcelona wunderkind Lamine Yoro.

Premier League giants Manchester United have made a significant splash in the transfer market, signing 18-year-old French defensive sensation Leny Yoro who has drawn comparison to Lamine Yamal

The Red Devils successfully outmanoeuvred Champions League winners Real Madrid to secure the services of the young centre-back in a deal that could reach up to 62 million euros.

Leny Yoro, Manchester United’s Lamine Yamal

The acquisition, orchestrated by United's new owners INEOS, has already generated considerable buzz in football circles. 

Consequently, Spanish outlet AS has drawn comparisons between Yoro and Barcelona's wunderkind Yamal, dubbing the defender "the Lamine Yamal of Manchester United defence."

Leny Yoro impresses on Manchester United debut. (Photo Credit: BR football/X)

Yoro's potential saw a heated debate after the Red Devils unveiled him after winning the battle for his signature against Real. 

Following the debates, AS has added their voice, describing the youngster as United’s version of Yamal, who shone like a million star in Spain’s successful Euro 2024 outing.

Lamine Yamal celebrates after helping Spain win the Euro 2024 title
Lamine Yamal celebrates after helping Spain win the Euro 2024 title | IMAGO

According to their report which included a glowing tribute to the United youngster from his former manager at Lille, Paulo Fonseca, who gave him his break, and France U23 coach Thierry Henry, both expressing high praise for the youngster. 

Arsenal legend Henry, in particular, described Yoro as "extraordinary."

Erik Ten Hag and new boy Leny Yoro.
Erik Ten Hag and new boy Leny Yoro. (Photo Credit: Man United/X)

The teenager's reputation preceded his Old Trafford debut, with some already likening him to Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk. 

Yoro lived up to these lofty expectations in his first appearance for United, putting in a stellar performance in a victory against Scottish giants Rangers. 

Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca believes Yoro is a fantastic and elegant defender.
Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca believes Yoro is a fantastic and elegant defender.

This match also marked the club's first win under the new INEOS ownership.

Analysts suggest that Yoro possesses "all the qualities necessary to succeed in professional football," viewing him as both an impressive talent for the present and a star in the making for the future. 

Leny Yoro rejected Real Madrid for a Premier League move to Manchester United.

His signing is seen as a strategic move by Manchester United to bolster their defensive options and invest in long-term success.

With the Red Devils’ aim to regain their position at the top of English and European football, the acquisition of Yoro represents a significant statement of intent. 

Sir Jimmy Ratcliffe's Ineos company became minority shareholders of Manchester United

With his combination of youth, talent, and potential, Yoro could well become a cornerstone of Manchester United's defence for years to come.

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