Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has hailed 19-year-old Leny Yoro, believing the French centre-back has the right attitude to become a long-term success at Old Trafford, Softfootball reports.
Jones, who himself broke into United’s first team as a teenager under Sir Alex Ferguson, spoke in an exclusive interview with club media about the qualities Yoro has already displayed since joining the Reds.
Yoro played for the France Under-21 international during the international break, helping his side to a 3-0 win over Serbia with a clean sheet, and is expected to be involved in Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium. The youngster has been a regular under Ruben Amorim this season, having featured in all the new season’s three games, including United’s 3-2 win over Burnley before the international break.
According to Jones, he said:
I think he’s been really, really good.I like his characteristics as a player, especially on the right side of a back three. He’s got the pace and athleticism that’s paramount for a centre-half in the Premier League today.
Jones also spoke about Yoro’s ability in possession and his composure under pressure; he added:
Technically, he’s very good on the ball. In the build-up, he’s very reliable. He reads the game really well and he’s strong in both boxes.
He is going to be an important player for Manchester United for many years,” he concluded, underlining the confidence around the teenager’s development.
Yoro, since joining the Red Devils from French club Lille in 2024, has been an integral player in the defence department of the club. Yoro recorded 36 appearances across all tournaments since he joined, with a proven track record as an offensive defender who can make attacking decisions, especially during tough situations, which has made Coach Ruben Amorim play him on the right side of his three-man defence formation.
