Ex-Man Utd midfielder not impressed with £52m Red who ‘hasn’t added anything in two years’

Former Manchester United midfielder Gordon Strachan fears Leny Yoro has thus far failed to meet expectations.

The Red Devils signed the French defender in the summer of 2024 after a back-and-forth battle with Real Madrid, who were equally keen to land the LOSC Lille youth product.

United splashed £52 million plus add-ons to secure the services of the then-teenager.

Gordon Stachan opens on Man Utd defence & Leny Yoro

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

In his interview with Grosvenor Sport, Stachan argues that United have quality players, but they haven’t been able to function properly as a unit.

“It’s been a back four that’s proven that it doesn’t get anywhere near winning titles, but all good players,” said the former Celtic manager.

“Those are good players, and Shaw was exceptional last year and Harry Maguire is always reliable. But there’s times when you start with a group to defend, then there’s a unit of a back-four defence, and then there’s an individual defender.

“As you go through it, I think when it comes to individual defending and unit defending… I don’t think they’re great as a four to be honest, and I’d probably want to see fresher faces there, younger, hungry ones.”

While Stachan is calling for a change at the back, he admits that Yoro might not necessarily be the answer, as he has yet to fulfil his early promise.

“I know (Matthijs) de Ligt is missing at the moment; he’s got power and size, and the other young lad is Yoro. But he’s not added anything in two years.”

Is Strachan’s assessment harsh on Yoro?

(Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

Unfortunately for Yoro, his Man Utd stint began with an early foot injury that ruled him out for several months.

The 20-year-old eventually earned his chance, but between recurring managerial changes and the general situation at the club, he has been lost in the shuffle. Therefore, one could argue that the circumstances haven’t truly played in the young man’s favour.

That being said, other young players, like Kobbie Mainoo and Shea Lacey, have been making the most of the opportunities coming their way.

When it comes to Yoro, few would argue against his potential, which has been on display on several occasions. Nevertheless, consistency and reliability might be the most elemental factors for a defender to succeed, and the Frenchman has yet to prove himself capable of delivering high-calibre performances week in, week out.

The good news for the centre-back is that time remains on his side, but several observers believe this could be a crucial season for his Man Utd stint. In other words, if Yoro can’t take his game up a notch this term, the club might decide to drop him from their long-term plans.

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