6 duels, 3 clearances: INEOS told they signed a player with ‘world-class potential’, he’s nowhere near his best

It’s remarkable to think a defender could be a standout performer amidst a 4-3 loss, but that was indeed the case with Leny Yoro last night.

The 19-year-old was given the nod for only the second time as a Manchester United player, with all four of his appearances coming in the Ruben Amorim era. Erik ten Hag, who was at the helm when Yoro’s £52 million move materialised, was relieved of his duties before the player returned from his four-month layoff.

He started alongside Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof at the back in North London, though the latter was withdrawn in place of Jonny Evans, who would go on to score, around the 45th-minute mark after sustaining yet another injury.

Ultimately, it was a disjointed showing from United up until Amorim’s triple substitution of Amad Diallo, Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo turned the game on its head. Both attackers etched their names onto the scoresheet after their unrelenting pressure on the Spurs backline, although their efforts were ultimately rendered in vain when Son Heung-min scored directly from a corner on the brink of injury time.

Yoro shines amidst a struggling United defence

Yoro, surprisingly, was one shining light for Amorim, even despite the backline and Altay Bayindir leaking four goals. 

He recorded a 92 per cent pass accuracy, won six duels and won three tackles. The young Frenchman also made three interceptions and three clearances, prompting StatmanDave to hail his ‘world-class potential’.

It’ll be crucial for Amorim to manage Yoro’s minutes in order to prevent any injury reoccurrence this term. He suffered a metatarsal fracture during pre-season, which was also what kept Lisandro Martinez sidelined for several months.

When he eventually returned to action at the start of 2023/2024, Martinez suffered a re-aggravation of the issue and was forced to undergo surgery for a second time.