Harry Maguire says 20-year-old has “all the attributes” to become an “all-time great”, while also tipping Ayden Heaven to thrive at the club
Harry Maguire believes Leny Yoro has the potential to become one of Manchester United’s greatest defenders after being impressed by the young Frenchman’s development since arriving at Old Trafford.
Yoro joined United from Lille in a £52m deal in 2024, with the club beating competition from sides including Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain for his signature.
Maguire praised the 20-year-old centre-back and backed him to enjoy a long and successful career at the club.
“Leny Yoro has all the attributes, the talent, and the potential to have whatever career he wants,” Maguire said. “It’s exceptional to see someone playing centre-back in the Premier League at his age, especially at a club like Manchester United.
“He’s doing an amazing job and there is still so much more he can improve on. Hopefully, in 10 or 15 years’ time, we’re sitting here putting his name in that bracket of the all-time greats.”
Maguire also singled out Ayden Heaven as another defender with a bright future at United. The 19-year-old joined from Arsenal in 2025 and has already broken into the first team, making 17 appearances this season under Michael Carrick.
“I’ve been very impressed with Ayden Heaven since he broke into the team,” Maguire said. “In five or six years’ time, I believe he and Leny Yoro could be the central defensive partnership for this club. The talent is there; now it’s down to them to keep working hard and pushing. They both have amazing futures ahead of them here.”
Maguire has re-established himself as an important figure at Manchester United despite poor form and heavy criticism that led to him losing the captaincy under Erik ten Hag in 2023. The defender recently signed a contract extension through to 2027 and says experienced leaders remain essential within the squad.
“Leadership is vital in the dressing room and around the club because you don’t win anything without people who set high standards and help the younger lads feel confident on the pitch,” Maguire said. “The best teams always have a balance of great leaders and experience within the squad.”
