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By NATHAN SALT and AADAM PATEL Published: 09: 03 AEST, 9 May 2025 | Updated: 09: 03 AEST, 9 May 2025 1 View comments Leny Yoro revealed that part of the reason behind joining Manchester United was the motivation to restore them to former glories by bringing trophies back to Old Trafford. The young French defender put in an impressive display as Ruben Amorim’s side defeated Athletic Club 4-1 to progress to the Europa League final later this month. United are slumped in 15th place in the Premier League after what has been a galling campaign where they have been rooted to the bottom half of the table almost all season. Yoro was highly sought after in the summer and had Europe’s elite clubs, including Real Madrid, desperately chasing his signature before he signed for Manchester United. After a tough start to life under Amorim, Yoro is now becoming a massive player for this struggling side and despite being just 19 years old, he is fast becoming a leader. ‘I’m still a young player but on the pitch this means nothing, ’ he said. Leny Yoro has revealed he joined Manchester United to help restore them to their glory days The young defender was impressive as they booked their place in the Europa League final He is honoured by comparisons to legends such as Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic ‘When you join a big club like Manchester United you have to settle quickly because the fans are waiting for you, even with a big transfer like I had. So yeah it was important to settle really quickly. ‘When you play for Manchester United you need to feel this [history] - this is a club of trophies. ‘I think it will be important to think about this, we’re Manchester United and need to win trophies. ’ Yoro has cemented himself in the back three since Lisandro Martinez’s season was cut short through injury and there has been multiple people to thank for his upturn in form, not least former United ace Rio Ferdinand. ‘I speak a lot with the coach and I’ve spoken to Rio and not always in front of the cameras, ’ Yoro explained. ‘Sometimes they just give me an advice. When a player like Rio can give you advice you need to take it. I try to do my best and what they tell me to do. ’ On comparisons to Ferdinand, Yoro said: ‘I come to Man United to achieve big things, to win trophies, so when you see players like Rio Ferdinand, Vidic, Varane you want to achieve the same things as them, stay in the memory of fans and be a big defender. ‘When they compare me to them it’s a real honour, I’m proud of this. I’m trying to be the best I can. ’
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