Manchester United’s shiny new toy – £52m teenage centre-back Leny Yoro – is almost ready to be unwrapped for new boss Ruben Amorim.
Earlier this year in July, Yoro joined the Red Devils – snubbing Real Madrid in the process – to become the most expensive player ever aged 18 or younger.
The Frenchman was dealt some unfortunate luck when he broke his foot in a pre-season friendly against Arsenal, which has sidelined him for the last three months.
In what could be described as almost perfect timing with Erik ten Hag out of sight and a young, fresh, exciting manager in Amorim stepping through the doors at Carrington, United have something to look forward to.
When will Leny Yoro return from injury?
Yoro is expected to return in the next few weeks after taking part in squad training for the first time on Wednesday, with a potential debut set for November 24th against Ipswich.
United face Greek raiders PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday but that would be considered too soon for Yoro, who will also likely miss the Leicester game on Sunday.
After this weekend, club football breaks off for around two weeks due to the international break which will offer Yoro plenty of time to get back up to speed in training.
We could be looking at his professional Manchester United debut being at Portman Road later this month, which will also be Amorim’s first game in the dugout.
According to the best football betting sites, United are an odds-on price of 4/6 to win Amorim’s introduction to English football.
What a welcome back for @Leny_Yoro! 🙌#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 6, 2024
How will Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United line-up with Leny Yoro?
Amorim earned his trade in Portugal with a flexible 3-4-3 system, where his side holds an aggressive, high backline with an intense press.
The goalkeeper and three centre-backs take on a key role in build-up play, allowing his team to control the game from deep with ball-playing defenders.
Yoro fits that role to a tee – and will likely partner Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez at the back with Andre Onana between the sticks, who is a gifted passer.
We would likely see Luke Shaw at left wing-back once he returns from injury and Diogo Dalot on the right with Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte in midfield.
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes are the most likely candidates to play in behind the striker, assumedly Rasmus Hojlund, with the view of bringing Viktor Gyokeres in from Sporting next year.
Ruben Amorim’s predicted Manchester United XI:
GK: Andre Onana; CB: Leny Yoro, CB: Matthijs de Ligt, CB: Lisandro Martinez; LWB: Luke Shaw, RWB: Diogo Dalot; CM: Kobbie Mainoo, CM: Manuel Ugarte; LW: Marcus Rashford, CF: Bruno Fernandes, ST: Rasmus Hojlund
