Leny Yoro set to battle 2 Manchester United teammates in the race to win prestigious award this season
Manchester United's latest summer acquisition Leny Yoro is reportedly set to battle two of his new teammates at Old Trafford for the prestigious European Golden Boy award. As claimed by The Sport Bible, Yoro is among the leading candidates for the award along with Manchester United duo Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
The Red Devils beat Real Madrid for the signature of Yoro, signing the French wonderkid in a deal worth an initial £52 million from Lille. The 18-year-old enjoyed a brilliant season with the Ligue 1 giants last time out catching the eye of European elites.
Yoro looks set to become a key player at Old Trafford for many years to come as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his side that finished eighth last season. Alongside Yoro, the Red Devils also have two exceptionally gifted young players in Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
As per The Sport Bible, Yoro, Mainoo and Garnacho are all in the running for the prestigious European Golden Boy award. The Golden Boy Football Benchmark Index is used to rank the best young players in Europe based on their performances between 3 October 2023 and 26 July 2024.
According to the rankings, Spain and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal is the frontrunner for the award with an an index value of 94.2. Benfica sensation Joao Neves and Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho are second and third respectively with 93.4 and 90.8 respectively.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery ranks fourth ahead of Yoro while Mainoo ranks seventh with Savio in sixth place. Yoro boasts an index value of 86.7 while Mainoo's index value is 84.4.
Leny Yoro explains the reason for choosing Manchester United despite Real Madrid links: Reports
Manchester United showed a statement of intent by beating Real Madrid for the signature of French sensation Leny Yoro. The highly-regarded young defender has joined the Red Devils for an initial £52 million and has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford.
Yoro had no shortage of suitors with the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG and Manchester United all heavily linked with his signature. After completing his switch to Old Trafford, the 18-year-old has explained the reason behind choosing Ten Hag's side. He said, as quoted by famed journalist Fabrizio Romano:
“Since my first conversations with the club, they set out a clear plan for how I can develop as part of this exciting project, showing a lot of care for me and my family, It’s incredible honour to sign for club of Man Utd stature."
Yoro becomes Manchester United's second signing of the summer following Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. They have been strongly linked with a host of players including Matthijs De Ligt and Manuel Ugarte.