Leny Yoro, a Franco-Ivorian centre-back signed from Lille last summer, wrote his name into Manchester United’s record books on Wednesday night by earning a place in the starting XI for the UEFA Europa Conference League final against Tottenham.
At 19 years and 189 days, he is now the club’s second-youngest starter in a major European showpiece, surpassed only by Brian Kidd, who lined up in the 1968 European Cup final on his 19th birthday.
United paid an initial €62 million to secure Yoro’s services in June 2024, outbidding several continental rivals for a defender widely tipped to anchor France’s back line in the near future.
Since arriving at Old Trafford, the Abidjan-rooted prospect has made 32 senior appearances, registering one goal and one assist while earning plaudits for his calm distribution, recovery pace and aerial timing.
Yoro’s rapid ascent mirrors United’s renewed emphasis on youth. The club’s data department flagged the teenager’s progressive passing and high interception numbers in Ligue 1, prompting a decisive move.
Despite an early-season groin strain, Yoro returned ahead of schedule and impressed in Premier League outings against Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle, earning comparisons with former United stalwart Rio Ferdinand.
Wednesday’s appearance rewrites a chapter of European history that has stood for nearly six decades. Kidd, now 75, marked his 1968 final debut by scoring in United’s 4-1 extra-time win over Benfica at Wembley.
United lost the final 1-0 to Tottenhman in Bilbao.
