Manchester United defender Leny Yoro faced criticism from former player Gary Neville following a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park. The match, held on March 15, 2024, highlighted Yoro’s struggles in defending against Villa’s Morgan Rogers, who scored both of his team’s goals with impressive strikes.
Neville, speaking on his podcast, expressed dissatisfaction with Yoro’s performance, particularly during the first goal. He noted that as Rogers turned towards the touchline, Yoro failed to effectively challenge him. “I’ve got less sympathy for Leny Yoro,” Neville stated. He emphasized the importance of positioning, saying, “You have to stand on the point of his right foot, so he cannot get across you.”
The analysis did not stop there. Neville elaborated on the tactical responsibilities of a right-sided centre-back, particularly when facing a player like Rogers, who is known for his right-footed shots. “You can’t just say, ‘Show him down the line and then let him go across you,’” he remarked. According to Neville, Yoro needed to be more aggressive and aware, indicating it was a significant mistake that cost United.
During the match, Yoro was substituted in the 84th minute for academy prospect Shea Lacey as United sought to level the score. Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s manager, has previously commented on Yoro’s tendency to dwell on individual errors, which could affect his confidence on the pitch.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Neville recalled moments from his youth when he struggled against talented players. He specifically mentioned being outmaneuvered by David Ginola at Newcastle, illustrating that even seasoned professionals face challenges. “It happens to everybody,” Neville acknowledged, but he maintained that Yoro could have made it more difficult for Rogers.
Despite the defeat, Yoro’s performance serves as a learning opportunity. As a young defender, he has shown promise, and moments like this will likely contribute to his development in the competitive environment of the Premier League. With the right guidance and experience, he may soon turn these lessons into strength on the field.
