Leny Yoro Happy at Manchester United Despite Real Madrid Interest
Leny Yoro, Manchester United’s £52 million signing from Lille, has declared he has “no regrets” about joining the Red Devils, even after a challenging debut season and reported interest from Real Madrid. The highly rated France U21 international has quickly established himself as an important figure in United’s defensive line, demonstrating maturity beyond his years despite the club’s recent struggles.
Leny Yoro’s Manchester United Journey: No Regrets
Manchester United became Leny Yoro’s new home in July 2024, following a transfer that saw him turn down the allure of Real Madrid. The Spanish giants, managed then by Carlo Ancelotti, had identified Yoro as a top target to bolster their defense. However, the young French defender put faith in United’s long-term project and opted for the Premier League challenge—an opportunity he says he would choose again without hesitation.
Yoro explained, “Even with last season, I never had this feeling of regret. I know Manchester United. Sometimes you can have a bad season, but this club is a top club. You cannot have doubts about this.” His confidence in the club’s vision and support system remains strong, as he adds, “You have confidence in this club. You need to put your heads up every day and try to do your best.”
Challenging Start for Yoro and Manchester United
After emerging from Lille’s renowned youth academy, which produced stars like Eden Hazard and Benjamin Pavard, Leny Yoro faced a difficult introduction to life in England. Injuries hindered his first season, and under the guidance of manager Ruben Amorim, United finished 15th in the Premier League—their lowest since 1990. The season’s disappointment was compounded by a narrow defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, denying United a spot in European competitions for 2025-26.
Despite these setbacks, Yoro remains positive. “Of course I cannot expect the first year to finish in 15th position. These are some things you need to face also. But you have the director of the club, the coach, all the players, they are here to push you every day,” he remarked.
Real Madrid’s Pursuit and Yoro’s Decision
Had Yoro accepted Real Madrid’s offer, his career path could have looked very different. The La Liga powerhouses were eager to secure his signature before his contract at Lille expired, but Yoro was convinced by Manchester United’s sporting project. He insists that his choice was always about his career and growth, stating, “Today my choice is Manchester, so I’m really happy with this. I know some people talked about this last year because of the results. I can understand them, but honestly, it’s my choice, my career.”
Signs of Improvement Under Ruben Amorim
The new season began with uncertainty, as United managed just one win in their opening five matches across all competitions. However, recent performances have signaled a turnaround. United are unbeaten in their last four Premier League fixtures, recording impressive victories over Sunderland, Liverpool, and Brighton, along with a valuable point away at Nottingham Forest.
Manager Ruben Amorim was named Manager of the Month for October, a recognition he attributed to his squad’s resilience. “I’m really happy,” Amorim commented. “Not just for my staff, but also for my players. They deserve full credit for this award because, in the end, the manager that wins this kind of award is not the best team, but the team that performs maybe better during this month.”
Next Up: Tottenham Away
United’s renewed confidence faces a major test as they visit Tottenham Hotspur—the very team that defeated them in last season’s Europa League final. Spurs are looking to rebound from a poor league showing against Chelsea, though they impressed in Europe with a decisive win over Copenhagen. With Yoro anchoring the defense, United hope to extend their unbeaten run to five games and continue their ascent up the Premier League table.
Leny Yoro’s Mindset: Commitment and Ambition
For Leny Yoro, the journey at Manchester United is about growth and resilience. His unwavering commitment to the club’s vision, despite external speculation and a tough inaugural season, is a testament to his character. The 19-year-old defender’s attitude reflects the determination required to thrive at the highest level, and his presence is already making a difference at Old Trafford.
Looking ahead, Yoro’s story is one of embracing challenge and trusting the process—a mindset that bodes well for both his personal career and Manchester United’s future ambitions.
Opinion: Yoro’s Decision Shows Maturity and Long-Term Thinking
Yoro’s lack of regret over choosing Manchester United, even after a turbulent season, speaks volumes about his mentality. Young players often chase immediate success, but Yoro’s willingness to endure challenges for greater long-term rewards is commendable. As United begin to show signs of improvement, his decision to join a rebuilding side rather than an established powerhouse like Real Madrid may prove pivotal—not just for his development, but for the club’s resurgence as well. For more updates and football stories, visit for more news.
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