Will Leny Yoro make his Manchester United debut vs. Rangers? Erik ten Hag announces squad for pre-season friendly
Leny Yoro has been named in Manchester United's traveling squad for their pre-season friendly against Scottish giants Rangers later today (July 20). The French defender will likely make his debut for the Red Devils.
The highly rated French defensive teenager joined United from LOSC Lille earlier this week in a reported £52.1 million deal. Real Madrid were the frontrunners to capture the 18-year-old, but they missed out to the Premier League giants.
Yoro is set to debut for Manchester United against Rangers at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. The France U23 international trained with his new teammates yesterday and could get his first minutes in Red Devils colors.
Ten Hag will want to see a better performance from his team than in their opening pre-season friendly. They suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Norwegian outfit Rosenborg (July 15).
Manchester United's summer transfer window has enthralled fans, with Yoro one of two new arrivals thus far. Exciting Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee also arrived from Serie A side Bologna in a £36.5 million deal.
Zirkzee, 23, won't be available for today's friendly as he's taken a holiday break after participating at Euro 2024. He's already met the manager and some of his teammates after completing his transfer.
"An inspiration" - Leny Yoro named Raphael Varane as his favorite French Manchester United player
Leny Yoro has earned comparisons to Raphael Varane with his 6'2" in frame, composure on the ball, and aerial dominance. He waxed lyrical about the former Manchester United defender who he replaced this summer.
The exciting defensive prospect spoke to United's media team and was asked who his favorite past or present French star was. He said:
"Rapha Varane he is a top defender. He didn't play a long time here but he's an inspiration for me."
Varane, 31, spent three years at Old Trafford after arriving from Madrid in August 2021. A Rolls Royce of a defender, he made 95 appearances across competitions, helping the Red Devils win the Carabao and FA Cup.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner's best period came at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he forged a formidable partnership with Sergio Ramos. He made 360 appearances for Los Blancos, winning 18 major trophies, including four UEFA Champions League trophies.
Leny Yoro is tasked with replacing Varane, who became a fan favorite at United. His displays for Lille last season put him in good stead to build a strong connection with Lisandro Martinez, as his fellow countryman did.