Manchester United new signing opens up on Nani comparisons

Manchester United centre-back Leny Yoro has revealed that he was often compared to former Reds winger Nani as a youngster due to his pace.

It was pleasing to see United with a pacey centre-back against Rangers in our second pre-season friendly of the summer. In recent years, we’ve had to settle for centre-backs either past their best or defenders who wouldn’t get in to top teams elsewhere. It’s a safe prediction to say – even this early – that we’ll see a vastly improved defence next season.

Not just with Yoro, but everyone is starting on a fresh page without injuries or niggles. Have I forgotten about Tyrell Malacia again?

We learned that Yoro previously played as a striker in his younger years during his first official interview with United’s in-house media. He also opened up on how he was compared to former United winger Nani because of how fast he covered ground on the pitch.

Yoro said (via ManUtd.com): “A lot of people compared me to Nani when I was young because I was fast like him and I loved this player. For me, it was a target to be like him. But now this is not the same, because I’m a defender. But, yes, this was my player. Before, I was a striker. So yes, this is not the same from now. I was really fast, I was tall, so I scored a lot of goals.”

MUTV would’ve expected a typical response from a defender. Maybe Rio Ferdinand or Raphael Varane, but Nani? Brilliant.

Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.