Leny Yoro believes he is ready to make his mark at Manchester United in the 2026/27 season, declaring he has "no excuses" after an injury-hit first two years at the club.
The 20-year-old made his Lille debut at 16 and joined United in 2024 for £50m, beating Real Madrid to his signature. Signed by Erik ten Hag, he is now on his third manager at Old Trafford, with injuries and instability disrupting his progress.
Injury disruption
Yoro has made 66 appearances for United so far, with just 30 Premier League starts across his two campaigns. He suffered a metatarsal injury early in his first pre-season and was sidelined until December, leaving him playing catch-up ever since.
Speaking after helping United win the Snapdragon Cup in Stockholm, Yoro said: "I have no excuses, but I had injuries, and like I say, I hope I'm not going to be injured this season, and I will show to everyone what I can do."
He feels ready to shine under Michael Carrick as United return to the Champions League. "I hope I'm not going to be injured this pre-season. That's going to help me to improve as well and to be ready for the start of the season."
"I know I can do much, much better. I know my potential for sure, and I hope I'm going to do a really good, good season," he added.
Experience and versatility
Yoro already has 139 senior career appearances, a substantial total for a young defender, but he recognises there is still room to develop. "Sometimes people forget I'm still 20, still have to learn, still have to improve. I know my potential. I know I can learn a lot, I can improve a lot, so I hope this season is going to be a big, big step for me as well."
In pre-season, Yoro has started all three fixtures as a right-back, filling in for Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui. "I enjoy [playing right-back]," he said. "If I can help the team in this position, it's good. I've played centre-back, but I enjoy playing this position. [But centre-back] is still my position. If I can be on the pitch, right-back or centre-back, if I can play, that's the best for me."
Aiming for the title
Yoro is ready to compete for a starting place at centre-back, with Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven all vying for spots. United finished third last season under Carrick after a strong end to the campaign, and Yoro believes a title challenge is possible.
"We're Manchester United, so we have to think like that, and I know we have the potential to do it, so now we have to do it," he said.
