Lisandro Martinez admission about Leny Yoro proves Man Utd have a world-class defender in the making

Lisandro Martinez is convinced that Leny Yoro is the future of Manchester United’s defence.

Over the next year, Manchester United are expected to address their defence after spending the last two years revamping not only the attack but also the midfield.

Harry Maguire signed a one-year deal at the end of last season, while doubts persist over Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt following their injury struggles in recent seasons. It also goes without saying that United will sign a new left-back as Luke Shaw reaches the latter stages of his professional career.

Ultimately, that means this will be a big season for United duo Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven as two young centre-backs with plenty of promise and plans to become elite defenders.

Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Lisandro Martinez expects big things from Leny Yoro

Yoro signed for United in 2024 as an 18-year-old in a deal worth £52.18m.

The French defender, who has yet to make his debut for the national team at senior level, made his debut at 16 and was heavily linked with moves to Real Madrid and PSG before deciding to sign for United.

Yoro, 20, has since made 69 appearances for the Reds, though he has yet to cement a place in the starting line-up.

After starting at centre-back in United’s 4-0 win over Sabah FK on Thursday night, to help Michael Carrick’s side keep their first clean sheet of the season, Martinez has sung his young teammate’s praises.

The World Cup winner claims Yoro is the future of United’s defence, after hailing his performance against the Azerbaijan Premier League champions.

“Amazing performance from Leny Yoro,” Martinez said, as quoted by Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic.

“Because he played so well defensively, with the ball, being calm, being composed in every situation, one-against-one.

“He’s the future of this club, honestly. We have to help him.”

It remains to be seen if Yoro will keep his place in United’s line-up for the Manchester derby on Sunday.

Maguire is expected to return and partner Martinez in the heart of United’s defence.

• ⚡️ KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Lisandro Martinez hailed Leny Yoro after Manchester United’s 4-0 win over Sabah FK
• The Argentine claims Yoro is the future of United’s defence
• Yoro started the game alongside Martinez in the heart of United’s defence

Man Utd have yet to win a Manchester derby when Leny Yoro has started

Yoro has faced Man City three times since signing for United.

The former Lille starlet was an unused substitute when United beat City 2-0 at Old Trafford in Carrick’s first match after returning as interim head coach.

In the two games he started against City, United drew 0-0 and lost 3-0.

Yoro came on and played 11 minutes in the only match he won against City during the 2024/25 campaign.