Reddy: Man Utd have a player they believe will be ‘one of the best in the world’ – he’s proving it tonight
Manchester United could well have a draw to take back to Old Trafford next week in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Olympique Lyonnais.
If the scoreline stays as it is, they’ll have Leny Yoro to thank for it.
The young Frenchman notched his maiden Red Devils goal on the cusp of half-time; Bruno Fernandes’ initial free-kick outside the area was parried away by Lucas Perri and into the path of Manuel Ugarte on the edge of the box, who quickly fired the ball back into the danger area and found the head of Yoro, with his flick on having just enough power to nestle into the net.
It came at a crucial time for the visitors following a torrid first half of attacks by Lyon. However, barring Thiago Almada’s opener – which was mostly at the fault of Andre Onana – the Reds’ defence have been able to match their opponents.
Yoro looks mature beyond his years in United’s backline
Yoro, in particular, is overseeing yet another stellar display. In the first 45 minutes alone, the centre-half recorded a 95 per cent passing accuracy by completing 19 passes. He also made one interception and one block prior to his game-changing leveller.
When reacting to the goalscorer’s contribution on Sky Sports News, Melissa Reddy said: “Sweet end to a sour half for United. Bruno’s free-kick had so much venom in it and Ugarte’s volleyed reaction to Perri’s punch out was going wide but what an instinctive reflex header by Yoro!
“That’s his first goal for a club that believes he’s going to grow into one of the best defenders in the world.”
Last summer, INEOS forked out £58.9 million to prise the highly-rated defensive prospect from Lille, beating the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain to his signature before tying him down to a five-year deal.
