Manchester United has made a significant splash in the transfer market by signing Leny Olivier Yoro, a highly regarded young centre-back known for his defensive prowess and potential. Here’s a comprehensive look at this exciting new addition to the Red Devils’ roster.

Early Life and Background of Leny Yoro

Born on November 13, 2005, in Saint-Maurice, France, Leny Yoro has football in his blood. His father, Alain Yoro, was a footballer of Ivorian descent who played for Lille’s reserve team, while his mother, Flore Baugnies, is of French ancestry. Leny started playing football at the age of five in Alfortville before his family moved to the Lille area, where he continued his development at Villeneuve-d’Ascq and eventually joined Lille’s youth academy in 2017.

Leny Yoro’s Rapid Rise at Lille

Yoro’s ascent through Lille’s ranks was nothing short of remarkable. In 2022, he debuted with Lille’s reserve team and quickly progressed to the first team. At just 16 years old, Yoro made his professional debut for Lille in a Ligue 1 match against Nice on May 14, 2022. His impressive performances earned him an extended contract with Lille until June 2025.

The 2022–23 season saw Yoro become a regular starter, showcasing his maturity and defensive skills. His standout performances solidified his reputation as a reliable and talented defender.

Breakout Season and European Debut

The 2023–24 season was pivotal for Yoro. As a full-time starter, he played 32 out of 34 Ligue 1 matches, contributing significantly to Lille’s defense. He also made his European debut, scoring his first goal for Lille in a UEFA Europa Conference League match against Rijeka. Yoro’s defensive stats were impressive, boasting an 89% success rate in defensive duels, making him one of Europe’s top young defenders.

Transfer to Manchester United

On July 18, 2024, Manchester United signed Yoro for €62 million (£52.2 million), potentially increasing with add-ons. This transfer made him the most expensive player aged 18 or younger and one of the priciest centre-backs in history. Yoro signed a five-year contract with an option for an additional year and was assigned the number 15 jersey, previously worn by United legend Nemanja Vidić.

Leny Yoro’s International Career

Yoro has represented France at various youth levels, from U17 to U23. He made his debut for the France U17 team in August 2021 and quickly advanced through the ranks. By 2023, he was playing for the France U21 team under coach Thierry Henry. His international performances have further highlighted his potential to become a future star for the senior national team.

Playing Style and Strengths of Leny Yoro

Standing at 1.90 meters (6 ft 3 in), Yoro is known for his strong physical presence and aerial prowess. His defensive skills are complemented by his composure on the ball and excellent game-reading abilities. Yoro’s passing accuracy is another key strength, with a completion rate of 92.3% in the 2023–24 season, making him a well-rounded and reliable defender.

Future Prospects for Leny Yoro at Manchester United

Expectations are high as Yoro joins Manchester United. His rapid development at Lille and his extensive international experience suggest he has the potential to become a key player in United’s defense. Fans and analysts are eager to see how he adapts to the Premier League and contributes to United’s domestic and European ambitions.

Conclusion

Leny Yoro’s transfer to Manchester United is a major milestone in his burgeoning career. From Lille’s youth academy to one of the biggest football clubs in the world, Yoro’s journey is a testament to his talent and hard work. As he begins this new chapter, Yoro is set to make a substantial impact and solidify his status as one of football’s most exciting young defenders.

England secured a spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen. Despite a series of underwhelming performances in the tournament, Gareth Southgate’s men displayed resilience and determination to overcome a challenging opponent.

England fell behind in the 25th minute when Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz capitalized on a well-placed pass from David Strelec, slotting the ball into the bottom corner. Just when it seemed England were heading for elimination, Jude Bellingham saved the day with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 90 +5 minute. Kyle Walker’s long throw was nodded on by Marc Guehi, and Bellingham left goalkeeper Martin Dubravka flat-footed with a stunning finish.

England’s resurgence continued into extra time. In the 91st minute, Slovakia’s partial clearance after a set-piece allowed Eberechi Eze to volley the ball into the ground, which Ivan Toney then nodded on to Harry Kane. The captain made no mistake, guiding the header home to secure the win. Slovakia had opportunities to equalize, such as when Peter Pekarik found himself in a promising position at the back post in the 105th minute but, under pressure from Eze, deflected Laszlo Benes’s cross over the top. In the 111th minute, Lubomir Tupta’s 25-yard free-kick was too central and too high to trouble Jordan Pickford, cementing England’s defense.

Match Statistics:

• Possession: England 63% – 36% Slovakia

• Shots: England 16 – 13 Slovakia

• Shots on Target: England 2 – 3 Slovakia
• Corners: England 9 – 1 Slovakia
• Fouls: England 12 – 19 Slovakia

England’s performance showcased their ability to adapt and persist in high-pressure situations. Despite trailing for much of the game, tactical changes and key contributions from players like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane turned the tide. Bellingham’s late equalizer was a moment of brilliance, reflecting his growing influence on the team. Kane’s leadership and decisive goal in extra time demonstrated his poise and reliability as captain.

While England dominated possession and created numerous chances, their efficiency in converting shots into goals remains an area for improvement. Slovakia, despite being outplayed in terms of possession and corners, managed more shots on target, highlighting England’s need for sharper defensive organization.

England’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Slovakia underscores their resilience and strategic acumen under Gareth Southgate’s leadership. The team’s ability to perform under pressure and the pivotal roles played by key players like Bellingham and Kane signal a strong contention for the Euro 2024 title. As they advance to the quarter-finals, England will need to maintain their momentum and address their conversion rate to continue their success in the tournament.

Stay tuned for more updates on England’s journey in Euro 2024.

At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to lead Portugal in their quest for another European Championship title, potentially marking the final major tournament of his illustrious career. Ronaldo, a pivotal figure in Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory, played a crucial role in the team’s flawless qualification campaign under Roberto Martinez, winning all 10 matches. Sports Bild examines the records Ronaldo holds at the European Championships and the milestones he could reach in Germany over the next four weeks.

Records Ronaldo Already Holds

Ronaldo’s Euro journey began in 2004 at the age of 19, and he is set to extend his record as the only male player to represent his country in six Euros, barring injury. He debuted with a goal in a 2-1 defeat against Greece on June 12, 2004, and has continued to find the back of the net. He has scored 14 goals in Euros, surpassing Michel Platini’s previous record of nine, all of which came in France’s 1984 triumph. Ronaldo’s tally includes two goals in 2004, one in 2008, three in both 2012 and 2016, and five in 2021, where he was the joint top scorer.

Ronaldo also holds the record for scoring three or more goals in multiple Euros. His consistency is unmatched, having played in all but one of Portugal’s matches across five tournaments, missing only the last group game against Switzerland in 2008 when Portugal had already secured advancement.

With 25 appearances, Ronaldo holds the record for the most appearances in Euros, followed by teammates Joao Moutinho and Pepe, each with 19. Ronaldo’s 137 attempts on goal are the highest since 1980, far exceeding Thierry Henry’s 52, with Zinedine Zidane and Dennis Bergkamp both at 48.

Records Ronaldo Could Break at Euro 2024

While Ronaldo leads in several categories, he is yet to surpass others. He is one chance created away from Luis Figo’s record of 42, with Mesut Ozil (40), Karel Poborsky (39), and Zidane (38) trailing behind. Ronaldo and Poborsky currently share the record for the most assists (six each), but Kevin de Bruyne (five) is a contender for this record in Germany.

At 39, Ronaldo could become the oldest scorer in the tournament’s history, surpassing Austria’s Ivica Vastic, who scored at 38 years and 257 days in 2008. The record for the oldest scorer in a Euro final, currently held by Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci (34), is also within reach. If Portugal replicates their 2016 success, Ronaldo would join Spain’s Iker Casillas as the only players to captain their country to two Euro titles.

Portugal, ranked sixth globally, have a favorable group stage draw against the Czech Republic (36th), Turkey (40th), and Georgia (75th). Ronaldo, who has scored against 47 different nations, could increase this to 50 if he scores against Turkey or Georgia for the first time.

Ronaldo’s Future Prospects

In September, Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and current player for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, surpassed 850 career goals. Renowned for his athleticism, there is speculation about his continued international career. The 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States looms, where he could add to his eight World Cup goals. Beyond that, the Euros in the UK and Ireland in 2028 are a possibility, though uncertain.

Regardless of what the future holds, Ronaldo’s European Championship records are formidable and will be challenging for future players to surpass.