Centre-back hails culture under Amorim and says there is no “bad energy or bad characters”
Leny Yoro has said he has no regrets about choosing Manchester United over Real Madrid even though it is a difficult period for the club.
The 19-year-old defender joined United from Lille in 2024 after rejecting approaches from several clubs, including Madrid, and has since emerged as an important figure in defence for manager Ruben Amorim.
Yoro said he was fully focused on United’s long-term project despite their current struggles.
“This is some choice you need to make in your career,” Yoro said. “I’ve had a couple of clubs, not just Madrid or United, I had a lot of clubs. Today my choice is Manchester, so I’m really happy with this.
“I know some people talked about this last year because of the results. I can understand them, but honestly, it’s my choice, my career. I know what I’m doing, and I’m just going to be better in the future.”
Yoro’s debut season in 2024-25 saw United finish 15th in the league and miss out on European football entirely after a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
Yet, the young Frenchman believes the adversity has strengthened the team’s resolve and given them time to rebuild properly under Amorim.
“Even with last season, I never had this feeling of regret,” said Yoro. “I know Manchester United, I know sometimes you can have a bad season, but this club is a top club, so you cannot have doubts about this.
“I know the project of the club before I came. Of course, I could not expect the first year to finish in 15th position. These are some things you need to face also.
“But you have the director of the club, the coach, all the players. They’re here to push you every day.”
Now in his second season, Yoro has featured in all 10 of United’s league matches this season. After a stuttering start to the season, Amorim’s side are unbeaten in their last four and sit eighth in the table, just two points off second place.
United face Tottenham again on Saturday, their first meeting since the final in Bilbao. Yoro said it was an opportunity to show how far the team has come since then.
“Everyone knows what happened in the final, so I think this game can be a good game for us to prove that maybe the final could have had another result,” Yoro said.
The teenager also praised the improved culture at the club, overseen by Amorim and football director Jason Wilcox, who have placed emphasis on discipline, work ethic and dressing-room unity.
“We don’t want any bad things in the team,” said Yoro. “So, be focused on the team, don’t do any drama. Speak with everyone, have a good relationship. We cannot build something with bad energy or bad atmosphere or bad characters.”
