Phil Jones knows a thing or two about the weight of expectations at Manchester United.
The Englishman was just 19 when the Red Devils paid Blackburn Rovers £16.5 million for his signature in 2011.
Despite a promising start at Old Trafford, Jones never lived up to the billing at the Theatre of Dreams.
He was once considered one of the most promising young defenders in the country before injuries curtailed his career.
More than a decade later, United pounced on another teenage defender in the summer of 2024.
Leny Yoro was wrestled away from under Real Madrid’s nose, and is now showing why the Premier League giants paid around £52 million for his signature.
Indispensable under Amorim this season
Yoro picked up an injury in pre-season shortly after his arrival, and subsequently missed the start of last season.
The Frenchman was initially in and out of Ruben Amorim’s team after returning to full fitness, but grew in stature as the season progressed.
His majestic performance against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-final left a lasting impression on fans and was a signal of things to come.
As expected, the 19-year-old has cemented his place in Amorim’s back three this season.
Yoro has started all three games in the Premier League and has been rock solid so far. His efforts have convinced Jones as well.
Yoro tipped to excel under Amorim
Speaking to United’s website, Jones was full of praise for the United No. 15.
“I think he’s been really, really good. I like the characteristics as a player, as a centre-back, especially on the right side of a back three,” said Jones.
“I think he’s got the pace and the athleticism, which I think is paramount for a centre-half, these days, in the Premier League.
“Technically, he’s very good on the ball. In the build-up, he’s very good and very reliable. He reads the game really well. He’s strong in both boxes.
“So, yeah, he is going to be an important player for Manchester United for many years to come.”
Rio Ferdinand has recently lavished praise on Yoro as well. United will hope their generational talent can become as good as the legendary No. 5.
Feature image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
