Manchester United defender Leny Yoro faced significant criticism from former player Gary Neville following a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa on March 12, 2024. Yoro, who played as a right-central defender, struggled to contain Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who scored both goals for his team at Villa Park.
The match showcased moments of individual brilliance from Rogers, particularly his right-footed strikes that left United goalkeeper Senne Lammens with no chance. Despite a determined effort from Ruben Amorim‘s side, Yoro’s inability to effectively challenge Rogers proved costly.
In an episode of the Gary Neville Podcast, Neville expressed his disappointment with Yoro’s performance, stating, “I’ve got less sympathy for Leny Yoro… you have to stand on the point of his right foot, so he cannot get across you.” He emphasized that Yoro failed to apply sufficient pressure on Rogers, allowing him to execute his shots freely.
Neville highlighted the need for defenders to be proactive in matches, particularly when facing skilled attackers. He noted that Yoro, who has played in a right-back role previously, should have been more prepared for the challenges posed by Rogers. “You always need to be threatening his right foot while you’re guiding him down the line,” Neville remarked.
Yoro’s performance drew attention not only for the goals conceded but also for the overall approach he took during the match. According to Amorim, the young French defender often allows individual mistakes to weigh heavily on his mind. This observation raises questions about Yoro’s mental resilience as he navigates his early career with Manchester United.
In the closing stages of the game, Yoro was substituted for academy player Shea Lacey as United sought an equalizer. This decision reflected Amorim’s strategy to inject fresh energy into the team, but unfortunately, it did not yield the desired results.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Neville recounted a moment from his younger days when he struggled against the talented David Ginola at Newcastle. “I remember getting done by Ginola… he could go both ways,” Neville said, underscoring that even seasoned players face challenges against skilled opponents.
The match served as a learning opportunity for Yoro, who is still developing his skills at the top level. Despite the harsh criticism, there is hope that he can grow from this experience and improve his defensive capabilities in the future.
As Manchester United prepares for their next match, the focus will be on addressing defensive lapses and ensuring that players like Yoro are better equipped to handle high-pressure situations.
