“It’s a dream come true to play for United,” says Lenny Yoro

By Sameer Naik7 August 2024

“It’s a dream come true to play for United,” says Lenny Yoro

Manchester United have made a seismic statement of intent by securing the signature of highly rated French defender, Lenny Yoro, in a deal worth a staggering £52 million. The 18-year-old sensation joined the Red Devils from Ligue 1 outfit Lille, where he rapidly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in European football.

Yoro’s arrival at Old Trafford is a major coup for the club, as they beat off stiff competition from a host of top European clubs to land their man.

Real Madrid and Liverpool were among the heavyweights vying for the teenager’s signature, but it was United who ultimately won the race.

The Frenchman’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of spectacular. Despite his tender age, Yoro has already amassed considerable first-team experience, showcasing his maturity and defensive prowess beyond his years. His ability to read the game, coupled with his physicality and pace, has seen him likened to some of the game’s greatest centrebacks.

United’s decision to invest heavily in Yoro underlines their commitment to building a squad for the future. The club has a proud history of developing young talent, and the acquisition of such a promising prospect is seen as a significant step in their long-term plans.

As Yoro embarks on a new chapter in his career, the expectations are understandably high. But the young defender appears to be relishing the challenge, and his infectious enthusiasm has already captured the hearts of the United faithful.

This week, Showmax features a Q&A with United’s new star defender as he discusses his move to Old Trafford, his ambitions for the future, and the pressures of joining one of the world’s biggest clubs.

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 22: Leny Yoro of Manchester United in action during a pre-season training session at Carrington Training Ground on July 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

How does it feel to be a Manchester United player?

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EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – JULY 20: Leny Yoro of Manchester United in action during a pre-season friendly match between Manchester United v Glasgow Rangers at Murrayfield Stadium on July 20, 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Incredible, it’s a dream come true. It’s been a dream since I was young, so I am really happy. For me, Manchester United is an institution, one of the very first football clubs to ever exist. For me to be able to play there is incredible. The fans, the stadium, everything is special about Man United.

What have you made of the flurry of comments by United fans since you signed?

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EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – JULY 20: Leny Yoro of Manchester United in action during a pre-season friendly match between Manchester United v Glasgow Rangers at Murrayfield Stadium on July 20, 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

The fans are really amazing, they’re impressive. The reaction when I signed for Man United was just crazy. Every single second I was receiving messages on my social media from Man United fans. They are a huge fan base. Everywhere you go, there are United fans.

You’ve had an exceptional career so far. What have the last two years of your career been like?

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EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – JULY 20: Leny Yoro of Manchester United in action during a pre-season friendly match between Manchester United v Glasgow Rangers at Murrayfield Stadium on July 20, 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Yes, of course I have enjoyed my development, but you need to be really focused. For some people, when you move too fast it’s very difficult and you struggle. But thankfully my family has helped me a lot to keep my feet on the ground and for me to improve.

What kind of defender are you?

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 25: Leny Yoro in action during a first team training session as part of their pre-season tour of the USA at UCLA on July 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

With the football of today, you need to be able to read the game and understand the opponent really well. I try to be focused on that. And when I am really comfortable with the ball, you know I am never afraid to play too.

Which player have you enjoyed coming up against?

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LILLE, FRANCE – DECEMBER 17: Kylian Mbappe #7 of Paris Saint-Germain in action with Leny Yoro #15 of Lille during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Lille OSC and Paris Saint-Germain at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on December 17, 2023 in Lille, France. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)

I really enjoyed playing against Kylian Mbappé. It was really a big deal, so it helped me a lot to improve myself. I enjoyed coming up against Ollie Watkins too because he is a really big striker.

People have praised your calm mentality. Where do you think that comes from?

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 26: Leny Yoro and Hannibal Mejbri of Manchester United in action during a first team training session as part of their pre-season tour of the USA at UCLA on July 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Honestly, I don’t know. This is myself; this is normal for me.

You have a motto that you have pinned to your Instagram profile. It reads #GodDid. Tell us about that?

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 18: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Leny Yoro of Manchester United poses after signing for the club at Carrington Training Ground on July 18, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)

This is something an American rapper said. I am really close to God and it’s important to have faith, so for me it was really good to put on my post. If I have made it in life, it is all because of God.

Have you spoken to manager Erik ten Hag since your move? How does he see you as part of the team?

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EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – JULY 20: Manager Erik ten Hag of Manchester United speaks to Leny Yoro ahead of the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Glasgow Rangers at Murrayfield Stadium on July 20, 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Yes, I spoke to the manager. I know he likes to have players that really like to win, players who have a big target so yes, I am ready to do anything for the team. I’m ready to give my all for the club.

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