Man United might surprise fans by cutting an Erik ten Hag signing as they pick three players for their January shortlist
Manchester United defender Leny Yoro’s future at the club looks uncertain if he doesn’t improve his game, according to reports.
Yoro joined United during Erik ten Hag’s time as manager, signing a five-year deal in July 2024 after a £52 million move from Lille. Since then, the young French player has made 70 appearances for the Red Devils, including 32 Premier League games last season as United made it back to the Champions League. But this season, his league time has been limited, and he may need to prove himself under Michael Carrick.
Yoro played the full match in their Carabao Cup loss to Brighton and in their 5-0 Champions League win over Sabah. However, in the Premier League, he’s only had 22 minutes on the pitch, coming off the bench in wins over Ipswich Town and a draw with Everton. Carrick has preferred using Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez as his main centre-back pair in league matches.
Reports say that Yoro’s progress has stalled over the past year, and he’s now “playing for his Manchester United future.” While there are no immediate plans to sell him, the return of Matthijs de Ligt and the club’s plans to sign another centre-back in 2027 make Yoro’s future unclear. United are reportedly interested in three defenders as possible replacements: Everton target Jarrad Branthwaite, Stuttgart’s Finn Jeltsch, and Lecce’s Tiago Gabriel.
Just last week, United renewed their interest in Branthwaite, who is valued at around £80 million, while Jeltsch and Gabriel are new names on the club’s wishlist. This all shows how important it is for Yoro to make a strong impression soon if he wants to stay part of Carrick’s long-term plans.
Even if Yoro improves, United will likely sign a new centre-back in January or next summer. Both Martinez and Maguire’s contracts end in June 2027, and they are expected to leave on free transfers.
Yoro faced criticism after United’s 3-2 Carabao Cup loss to Brighton, with many saying he struggled in that game. For a while, he hasn’t shown the top-level performances needed to secure a regular spot, raising questions about his defending and ball skills.
Despite this, Carrick has defended the young player, stressing that he has a bright future ahead. “No, he’s 20, Leny,” Carrick said. “He’s got fantastic potential and is still learning and developing. Being a centre-back at this club at such a young age is tough, but he can do it.
“There’s no cut-off point. Some players reach their best at 18, others like Leny might take longer. I’m not worried about him. He does lots of good things, and learning is part of the process. Players develop at different ages—sometimes 20, sometimes 22 or 23.
“He just needs to keep improving, stay eager to learn, and take chances when they come. We won’t make quick decisions based on one game or moment. We definitely believe in Leny.”