Manchester United handed major injury boost as key player return to full team training for the first time since July
Manchester United have received a major boost as 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro has returned to full training for the first time this season. The Red Devils have been plagued by injuries since the start of the 2024-25 season, particularly in defense, and this may have contributed to their struggles.
France U21 international Yoro joined the Red Devils in the summer in a deal worth over a reported £52 million from Lille. The teenager featured against Rangers in pre-season before suffering a metatarsal fracture in his second pre-season appearance against Arsenal in the USA.
The injury has kept Yoro out of first-team action since July, but he has now returned to team training for the first time. The youngster is regarded as one of the finest young defenders in Europe and could have a big future under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Here's how his teammates welcomed him back to full training:
Manchester United signed Matthijs De Ligt in the summer after Yoro's injury and the Dutchman has blown hot and cold so far. The young defender's return will ensure that Amorim will have many central defensive options to choose from.
The Red Devils reportedly beat Real Madrid to the signing of Yoro in the summer, but the youngster couldn't play an official game under Erik ten Hag, who sanctioned his addition. The Dutch manager was fired after a dismal start to the season which has left Manchester United in the bottom half of the league standings.
Manchester United linked with move for Premier League star - Reports
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to renew their interest in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The Red Devils were said to have made multiple approaches to sign the England international in the summer but faced resistance from Everton.
Incoming Red Devils manager Amorim is known to play a three-man backline at Sporting CP, which could make United target players suited to this style. TalkSPORT (via Metro) report that the Red Devils want Branthwaite, whose physical and technical profile have been of interest to the club since last summer.
United reportedly made offers of up to £50 million for the 22-year-old defender but saw all of their offers turned down by Everton. The youngster has had an injury-ravaged season, starting just one league game.