"He's a really good guy" - Leny Yoro suggests he's already found his best mate at Manchester United
Leny Yoro has hinted that he's already struck up a friendship with Kobbie Mainoo at the very start of his Manchester United. The highly-rated French teenage defender has joined the England international at Old Trafford.
The 18-year-old center-back joined the Red Devils from Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille in a reported £52 million deal. He made his non-competitive debut in his new side's 2-0 win against Scottish giants Rangers (July 20).
Mainoo was absent from that game after representing England at Euro 2024. The 19-year-old midfielder impressed and made it to the final with the Three Lions before suffering a 2-1 loss to Spain.
In an interview with Manchester United's official website, Yoro shed light on his growing friendship with Mainoo. He said:
"I'm really close to Kobbie [Mainoo], and this will help me a lot. He sent me a message. He's a really good guy."
Mainoo similarly connected with Joshua Zirkzee, another new Red Devils signing. He spoke to the Dutch forward after England beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the semifinals of Euro 2024.
The Stockport-born wonderkid is a fan favorite, and his humble personality resonates with fans. He appears popular in the locker room and could be who Yoro turns to while he settles in at Old Trafford.
Manchester United's new star Leny Yoro talked up the difficulty of the Premier League
Leny Yoro's move to Manchester United is a massive coup for the Red Devils. He was highly coveted, with La Liga giants Real Madrid appearing favorites when the summer transfer window opened.
However, United's new co-owners INEOS put the work in to get Yoro to join them. Madrid weren't willing to match their offer despite viewing the France U23 international as the 'Kylian Mbappe of defenders.'
Yoro might have also been persuaded to head to Old Trafford to play in the Premier League. He spoke highly of the English top flight in his unveiling interview (via the club's website):
"For me, the Premier League… this is where the football fully exists. So the fans, the level – because the level is crazy there, there is not an easy game - and, for me, the Premier League is the biggest in the world."
Leny Yoro could come up against two of the Premier League's big guns before the season starts. Manchester United face arch-rivals Liverpool in a pre-season friendly on August 4 before colliding with Manchester City in the Community Shield six days later.
The French gem can then look forward to his Premier League debut on August 16. Erik ten Hag's men face Fulham at Old Trafford in their opening game of the campaign.