Erik ten Hag impressed by Leny Yoro’s ‘mature’ Manchester United debut

Erik ten Hag praised Leny Yoro’s “mature efficiency” in his Manchester United debut in opposition to Rangers at Murrayfield and believes the 18-year-old generally is a common starter as one of many first-choice centre-back group.

After becoming a member of on Thursday Yoro, who left Lille for £52.2m, impressed at in United’s 2-0 victory of their second pre-season recreation, enjoying the primary half earlier than Ten Hag modified all 10 outfield gamers on the break.

“For the primary time, after only one coaching, it’s a really mature efficiency,” stated the supervisor. “That’s what we noticed once we scouted him. It’s nice to have him. He’s a really younger, gifted centre-back and there’s lots to return. He’s right here, we expect he can play however there’s so many video games that he’ll be in a gaggle of 4 or 5 defenders.”

Ten Hag desires a second centre-back and is concentrating on Bayern Munich’s Matthijs De Ligt and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, however any additional signing might rely on whether or not one in every of Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelöf is offered.

“That’s apparent however we wish to have a powerful squad, as robust as potential,” stated Ten Hag. “The soccer management could be very on the entrance foot. That’s what golf equipment like Manchester United ought to do. We’re very happy we’ve achieved enterprise – we’ve got Yoro in, we’ve got [Joshua] Zirkzee in – two excessive potential property for the longer term. However once I say future, the longer term additionally begins as we speak. The following recreation is all the time crucial, subsequent season is all the time crucial.”

Scott McTominay is attracting curiosity however Ten Hag desires the attacking midfielder to remain. “We now have excellent gamers in order that they’ll all the time have curiosity,” he stated. “When you rating 10 targets in a season [and perform very well for Scotland there will be an interest. We want to actually keep him. When we had the sixes and he could play in a more advanced role, he’s a highly interesting player.”

Ten Hag was also enthused by Amad Diallo who scored a fine opener against Rangers, cutting inside and beating Jack Butland with a smart finish. “He made a very good progression from last season,” the Dutchman said. “The past two seasons he was on loan and then he was planned to play a role but had a very bad injury in pre-season that dropped him a little bit back. But in the last games of last season he showed his assets. This season has to become his season.”

Ten Hag played down United’s prospects of challenging for the title. “Look, we can beat every opponent. We’ve shown that more than once – against City, against Liverpool – but the truth is there’s also a long way to come. We have to get more consistent. That has to do with having the right winning culture. When we bring this in the dressing room – it’s not just to do with the dressing room, the standards should be delivered in the whole club.”

Ten Hag suggested Toby Collyer, the 20-year-old midfielder who started against Rangers, has a chance of breaking into the squad. “I always want to make pathways for young players but they have to earn it. He’s now earned an opportunity,” the 54-year-old said.