Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has offered reassurance to supporters concerning the health of centre-back Leny Yoro, following his departure due to injury in Sunday’s loss.
Since his significant transfer from Lille last summer, Yoro has struggled with consistent fitness, facing a major foot injury in pre-season before playing any competitive matches for his new team. The young Frenchman was also absent for several games in March.
Despite these setbacks, there are tremendous expectations on this teenager, who is considered a generational talent. His role is already pivotal in Amorim’s three-man defense setup at United.
There were understandably concerns then, when Yoro was replaced by Harry Maguire in the Premier League clash with West Ham United only a few minutes into the second half.
“We hope it’s not too serious,” Amorim told Sky Sports after the final whistle. “I don’t want to say too much but maybe it’s not a big deal,” the boss added.
It raises optimism that Yoro will be available for the crucial Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in just ten days’ time.
Amorim has sought in recent weeks to rest, rotate and keep his players as fresh as possible given the importance of claiming the European trophy this season.
Victor Lindelof joined Maguire on the bench for the visit of West Ham, with the Portuguese coach opting for Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui either side of Yoro. Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are currently sidelined with injuries, limiting the centre-back options.
United, who cannot finish any higher than 13th in the Premier League this season, are to face Chelsea in their penultimate domestic fixture on Friday. That scheduling gives Amorim’s team extra preparation time before the showdown with Spurs in Bilbao.
The winner of the final will not only lift a major trophy, which would be United’s third in as many years, but also secure a lucrative place in next season’s Champions League.
