Rio Ferdinand Demands Man Utd Build Foundation to Unleash Their 'Fantastic Talent'

Manchester United centre-back Leny Yoro enjoys the support of club icon Rio Ferdinand as the French talent gears up for his sophomore season at Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old joined Manchester United last summer under former boss Erik ten Hag following his development at Lille. He penned a five-year deal through 2029, making him the costliest player aged 18 or under and among the priciest central defenders ever acquired. He attracted attention from elite clubs including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

A United legend is endorsing Yoro this summer to progress to the next level.

"I believe he will develop. Leny Yoro, in my opinion, represents exceptional talent. The ability and potential are unquestionable. It's about realizing that talent, that capability, and I believe he's a dedicated individual who puts in the effort," Ferdinand stated during a club interview at MetLife Stadium before the Premier League Summer Series fixture against West Ham United.

Ferdinand also emphasized a crucial element considering the player's youth: "I still believe you require the consistency around him to support him as a developing player."

Yoro appears to be in a more settled environment entering 2025–26 with Lisandro Martínez's comeback and a complete summer working under Amorim. Yoro featured in 21 league matches for a United team that placed 15th last term in what represented one of the club's most disappointing seasons ever.

Together with Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, there are experienced central defenders available to guide Yoro through what promises to be a crucial campaign.

Yoro sustained a significant foot problem during pre-season against Arsenal that disrupted his inaugural season. He subsequently made his Premier League debut against the same opponent in December under Amorim. With a complete summer preparing under the manager and a reduced fixture list due to no European competition, Yoro appears certain to feature prominently in the Portuguese coach's defensive setup this season.