Tipped for greatness

Those at Carrington feel it could become one of the most formidable defensive partnerships in the Premier League for the next decade. Indeed, they believe it could even surpass the William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes partnership at Arsenal.

Watching the duo this pre-season, it is easy to see what the hype is all about. Heaven has not put a foot wrong, while Yoro looks confident and ready for a big season ahead.

Interestingly, Harry Maguire recently expressed his delight at the fact that, in Yoro and Heaven, he feels United’s central defence is in capable hands for years to come.

However, while there is plenty of expectation and excitement about how the pair will turn out, a revelation from The Athletic about what they are doing behind the scenes will impress fans.

Jonny Evans fine-tuning Yoro and Heaven

The outlet has revealed: “Ayden Heaven is working on his game with Jonny Evans and the coaching staff.

“Heaven spent time with Evans before pre-season started to get insight from a former Premier League-winning centre-back.

“They have been doing one-to-one sessions during pre-season after training, with Leny Yoro also taking up this additional work.”

On the right path

Such interest, desire, dedication and hard work should, once it pays off, see the duo tap into their potential.

If they are good enough, Michael Carrick will certainly have no choice but to play them.

And they would be perfectly balanced in United’s defence: Yoro acts as a calm, tactical reader of the game, while Heaven plays with aggressive assertiveness and attacking drive.

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Yoro

In the summer of 2024, INEOS went all out to sign Yoro. The young French defender was expected to join Real Madrid, but INEOS managed to hijack the deal and secure his services for £52 million.

Calm, intelligent and composed on the ball, Yoro is a central defender who relies on his reading of the game and positional awareness to make key interceptions rather than rash challenges.

The Red Devils must feel they captured their future right-sided centre-back.

Ayden Heaven

Months after the Yoro signing, INEOS pounced on an opportunistic deal for Heaven.

United took a calculated gamble and paid around £1.5 million to bring the Arsenal youngster to Manchester.

Over 18 months later, that move has turned into a transfer masterstroke. Heaven has proved a massive hit and has steadily staked a strong claim for United’s left-sided centre-back role.

A press-resistant, ball-carrying centre-back who draws on his midfield background to control tempo and break the opponent’s lines, Heaven has been a revelation in United’s central defence.

Dream partnership

Some time ago, a report suggested that club insiders thought the two could one day form one of the most formidable centre-back partnerships.

It was suggested that once they click, they could even prove better than the William Saliba and Gabriel partnership that has dominated conversations around the league in recent seasons.

As we wait for the pieces to fall into place, Harry Maguire, speaking to Sky Sports’ Danyal Khan, has now also hinted at why the Yoro-Heaven partnership is one worth looking forward to.

What Maguire had to say

Speaking about the pair, along with academy defensive gem Dan Armer, Maguire said:

“I want them to have great careers.
Hopefully in five or six years’ time, Leny, Ayden and Dan are fighting it out and playing together in this team. That’s what we all want.

“They have the attributes, and they have the qualities that they can do that.

“When you’re at this club, people sometimes forget ages.

“They (Yoro and Heaven) are young, but they’re learning the game under the biggest scrutiny and analysis that anyone can imagine.

“Like I said, hopefully one day they’re the main two centre-half partnership at this club and they’re winning the biggest trophies. Hopefully they’re the strongest partnership in world football.
That’s what they’ve got to aim to do.”

Bright future ahead

United’s defence looks to be in safe hands given the talent coming through.

If Yoro and Heaven continue to find their feet, the prospect is genuinely exciting.

Yoro is a calm, tactical reader of the game, while Heaven plays with aggressive front-foot assertiveness and attacking drive. The two should complement each other perfectly and lay the foundation for United’s defensive dominance over the next decade.

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Quiet

Old Trafford has seen little activity in recent weeks following the signings of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow from Chelsea, Aston Villa and as a free agent respectively.

This summer was tipped to be an extremely busy one for United but the opposite has largely been true. As the 2026/27 Premier League campaign draws ever closer, concern is mounting that United may be insufficiently equipped to take advantage of their rivals’ transitional state and compete for the title.

Michael Carrick recently stressed that he and his coaching staff need more recruits. Reports continue to suggest that United are scouting the market for opportunities.

Last weekend, United suffered a sobering defeat to Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan, further fuelling calls for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS to act in the market.

While most of the talk has centred around midfield reinforcements, Scholes believes that it’s equally important for United to address their shortcomings in defence.

Scholes was particularly critical of Yoro, claiming that the Premier League may be a step too high for the Frenchman.

Scholes’ verdict

The former midfielder said on The Overlap Fan Debate, “Centre-halves are still a problem; Manchester United still need better centre-halves.”

“The current players don’t have the quality, where I am judging Manchester United, to go on and win the Premier League.”

He continued, “You need centre-backs who are reliable every single week. We’ve got [Harry] Maguire, who has started to pick up some [injury] niggles, Lisandro Martinez – the lad just can’t stay fit now. When he’s fit, he is a good player, don’t get me wrong.”

“They’ve got Leny Yoro, who has struggled over the last two years – it looks like the [Premier League] level is above him and [hopefully] he might come on [a bit this season].”

“If de Ligt is fit and playing every week, he’s possibly Manchester United’s best centre-half.”

“But again, that’s a question mark against centre-halves. You can’t have those question marks.”

United face newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday.

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Big season pending

Following a third-placed finish last term, United will aim to harness the positive momentum established during Michael Carrick’s interim stewardship as the upcoming season commences.

There is plenty to look forward to. The Champions League is back at Old Trafford after a two-year gap, and beyond that, it will be fascinating to see how Carrick and his coaching staff manage the extra demands that come with competing on multiple fronts.

The Premier League appears as competitive as it has been in recent memory. With Pep Guardiola no longer at the helm and a number of United’s challengers undergoing transitions, the landscape looks ripe for opportunity.

There is a genuine chance for United, especially if they sign well in the transfer market, to mount a competitive title challenge.

Already, the Red Devils have secured the signings of Andrey Santos (from Chelsea), Youri Tielemans (from Aston Villa) and Karl Darlow (as a free agent).

United are said to be on the hunt for a third midfield signing and potentially a left-back, left-winger and a striker.

The club’s full focus is on the transfer window and pre-season preparations. Yoro spoke to club media and insisted that he is chomping at the bit to play in the Champions League.

Yoro’s remarks

The Frenchman said, “All the players in the world want to play in this competition. I did the Conference League, Europa League, and now I’m going to play in the Champions League. So yeah, I think the step is very good.”

“It’s a competition with the best players in the world. You play different types of strikers, different types of opponents, and it’s never easy. So you have to be ready, and yeah, I can’t wait to play against these types of players.”

He continued, “[The other lads have spoken about] when you train with the Champions League ball and hear the music of the Champions League, it’s just a different atmosphere from the league.”

“We play against different clubs from all over the world, so [they have spoken to me] about the atmosphere and the magic of this competition. Most of them have played in this competition, and everyone says it’s just magic to play.”

“I think everyone knows how important this competition is here. Like you said, the coach already experienced a win in this competition, so he’s going to help us a lot on this. No pressure, of course, we just want to do well in the competition, and we have a good coach for this.”

United are next in action on Saturday when they face reigning Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

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Looking to kick on

Yoro has enjoyed gradual progress at United since joining the club in the summer of 2024 from Lille. United forked out around £42m to sign him, successfully warding off competition from Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

An injury sustained in pre-season delayed his start at Old Trafford, but he bounced back strongly upon his return. However, his progress was twice stymied: first by intense competition for starting spots, and later by another injury setback last term.

His talent, however, remains undeniable. Whenever he has been available, he has demonstrated it with exceptional clarity.

In the ongoing pre-season especially, Yoro has been one of the standout stars. Even more impressive is that he has been used at right-back. In the thrilling 2-1 turnaround against Atletico Madrid, he was simply electric.

He spoke to journalist Andy Mitten after the final whistle and expressed optimism that he will stay injury-free and truly establish himself as a mainstay in the 2026/27 campaign. Yoro also clearly stated that the goal is to win the Premier League and end United’s 13-year wait for English football’s most prestigious prize.

Ambitious target

The Frenchman told Mitten, “Yeah, I hope I’m not going to be injured this pre-season. That will help me to improve as well and to be ready for the start of the season. We are doing really well, no injuries yet as well, so I hope I’m going to continue like that.”

“I hope so. Obviously, I know I did a great season, but I know I can do much more. I know my potential for sure, and I hope I’m going to do a really good season.”

“Obviously, I have no excuses but I’ve had injuries and like I said I hope I’m not going to be injured this season and show everyone what I can do.”

He conceded that competition for places at United is intense, and that a pathway to the France national team hinges on him cementing a starting berth at club level.

Asked what the mood is like at United as the start of the new season nears, Yoro answered, “The mood is really good. We work really hard outside the pitch, we have a good vibe, good mood. So the target this season is to win every game, to be honest, for the team to be the best, for myself to do good games every time, to win trophies and to be at the top.”

On whether winning the Premier League is a realistic aim, he stated, “Yeah, of course. We are Man Utd so we have a team like that. I know we have the potential to do it and we have to do it.”

He concluded by stressing that there remains considerable untapped potential, with the caveat that he is continually learning and striving for further development.

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Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has lavished praise on academy star JJ Gabriel following his senior debut against Atletico Madrid on Saturday, 1 August. The French defender started the game and helped the Red Devils secure a 2-1 comeback win in pre-season, courtesy of a Bryan Mbeumo brace.

Meanwhile, Gabriel etched his name into United folklore by becoming the youngest player to feature for the first team in the club’s history. The young Englishman came on in the 82nd minute to warm applause from the United supporters at the stadium, while countless others were certainly following him from home.

Gabriel won the Jimmy Murphy Player of the Year and the Under-18 Premier League Player of the Year awards last season following an outstanding run with the Under-18 team. The 15 year old registered 26 goals and four assists in 29 appearances, justifying the hype around him among fans.

JJ Gabriel Stats: 2025/26 Season

The youngster had trained with the first team on several occasions last season but could not make his debut due to regulatory constraints. His inclusion in this summer’s pre-season squad, as such, generated a buzz among fans.

Gabriel’s much-anticipated United debut

Gabriel was not in the squad for United’s first pre-season game, the 1-0 defeat to Wrexham. The player joined training ahead of the second game against Rosenborg and was included in the matchday squad as well.

However, Michael Carrick opted against bringing him on as the Red Devils ran riot at the Lerkendal Stadion in Trondheim, Norway, picking up a 5-0 win. If fans were disappointed not to catch a glimpse of the starlet, their prayers were answered this weekend.

Gabriel had six touches of the ball in his cameo against Atletico Madrid, attempted one shot, won one duel, and was also fouled once. It was clear that United have a gem on their hands, and Yoro has now offered some advice to the youngster.

Yoro offers advice to Gabriel

Speaking after the game, as cited by The Mirror, Yoro was also full of praise for Gabriel. He said: “He’s a really good player. Still really young, still a lot to learn, a lot to improve. He’s really humble, still working, so I’m happy for him to get his first minutes, so I hope for him it’s going to continue like that.”

Yoro joined United as a teenager in 2024 in a reported £52 million deal, becoming the most expensive player below the age of 18 in history. The Frenchman drew parallels with his own experiences as he advised Gabriel, adding: “I can see myself.”

“[I would say] stay humble, just want to work, and this is what we need in the team, even for the young guys. They’re all doing really well, and JJ is one of them, so I hope he’s going to learn a lot, continue like that, improve, yeah. But he’s really good, a good player.”

A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that United have stepped up their efforts to ensure that Gabriel remains at Old Trafford for the near future.

Final Thoughts

United will have to be cautious with Gabriel and ensure he is afforded time and ample guidance to realise his true potential. While fans can expect to see the youngster feature next season, they will have to be patient with him and refrain from putting too much pressure on his young shoulders.

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Bryan Mbeumo responded to critics in style with a brace, while Shea Lacey announced himself to the world with a brilliantly creative display.

Michael Carrick made numerous changes to the team but he kept the backline intact, including starting Leny Yoro at right-back.

The Frenchman has played there in all three games so far, and with Noussair Mazraoui linked with a surprise exit, there have been murmurs that the 20-year-old could be used as a backup right-back next season.

Leny Yoro has impressed down the right

The former Lille ace impressed down the right flank and was asked after the game whether he was enjoying this newfound freedom on the right wing.

He explained to MUTV that he is ready to help the team by playing as a full-back, but he still sees his future as a centre-back, which remains his preferred position.

“First of all, I’m still a centre-back. I’m only playing there because Diogo (Dalot) and (Noussair) Mazraoui aren’t back yet. I enjoy being on the pitch anyway. If I can put in good performances at right-back, that’s fine with me.

“But I’m a centre-back, and that’s still my preferred position. I’m enjoying playing at right-back as well, so it’s all good.

Leny Yoro reveals his preferred position

“I’ve only played three games at right-back. But if you’re a player who can play two or even three positions, it’s good for the team. I’m happy to do that.”

Playing against the Champions League semi-finalists was a great challenge for the team, with the opposition getting tougher and tougher as the weeks progress.

“They’re a really good team. At the beginning, you could see they were pressing us, so we had to adapt a little. But we did really well. We pressed together, kept the ball well, and overall I think we had a good performance. They’re a very good side.”

Up next are the defending Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, and United are at the halfway mark of their pre-season preparations.

Pre-season training going according to plan

Leny Yoro explained that the entire squad is working hard, as per Carrick’s instructions, which the players are enjoying. The pre-season wins are proof that the head coach’s vision is heading in the right direction.

“We’ve been working hard in training and doing what the coach is asking of us, which is the most important thing. We’ve also been getting the results, so we just need to keep going like this.”

It will be interesting to see where the France Under-21 international slots in once Dalot and Mazraoui are back. Hopefully, he has done enough to warrant inclusion in the starting line-up.

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First half

United made the worst possible start when Atletico took the lead inside five minutes. A teasing ball into the penalty area from Arnau Ortiz beat everyone to find the far corner, leaving Tom Heaton with little chance and handing the Spanish side an early advantage.

The goal came against the run of play as United dominated possesion with Santos and Mount pulling the strings in midfield. Luke Shaw tested Jan Oblak from distance before Amad came close with a well-struck free-kick that the experienced goalkeeper did well to turn away. Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro also threatened from set-pieces, while Bryan Mbeumo narrowly failed to connect with an inviting cross after an excellent move down the left.

At the other end, Heaton remained alert to deny Atletico a second shortly before the interval, ensuring United went into the break trailing by just a single goal despite enjoying long spells of possession.

Second Half

United’s pressure finally paid off early in the second half. Shea Lacey had been a threat right from the beginning and his persistence paid off when he won a penalty with some deft footwork just inside the area. Mbeumo stepped up to calmly send Oblak the wrong way from the spot to level the score.

Carrick’s men had the bit between their teeth and continued to dictate the tempo against Diego Simeone’s side. The midfield pair were outstanding, with Mount knitting play together intelligently while Santos snuffed out Spanish attacks early whenever Atletico attempted to counter.

United’s dominance was rewarded again when Mbeumo grabbed his second of the afternoon. Substitute Jack Fletcher made a superb interception down the right flank and took it to the byeline before crossing to the near post. It took a slight deflection that put it right in Mbeumo’s path, who knocked it in from close range.

The last 10 minutes saw the debut of 15-year-old JJ Gabriel, to the delight of the travelling faithful. He showed some good touches but was unable to get his shot away as the full-time whistle approached. Jim Thwaites also came on for his debut.

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As August began and the first Premier League match against Hull City sits just three weeks away on the calendar, head coach Michael Carrick was given plenty of food for thought today as the Red Devils came from a goal behind to win the entertaining tie. Here are three things we learned from the 2-1 victory.

1. Mason Mount’s midfield transition is working

Carrick decided to use pre-season to trial the versatile Mount in the new role of central midfielder and the England man has gone from strength to strength in just three games.

Mount’s positioning today ahead of Andrey Santos was superb, his first touch exquisite and his distribution crisp and inventive. If the 27-year-old can stay fit this season, he could play a really important role in Carrick’s midifled and will give the likes of Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo serious competition for their places.

2. Shea Lacey is ready for the first team squad

While the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu were only able to show flashes of form today, academy product Lacey looked a danger every time he received the ball. His quick feet won United a penalty today and physically he has filled out as well.

A well-timed sliding tackle was a reminder that the youngster can be a little hot-headed – he was sent off in his third senior appearance for United in the FA Cup against Brighton in January. However, at 19 years of age, his ceiling is looking extremely high and he needs to be tested at the top level rather than being held back further with a loan this season.

3. Dorgu and Yoro struggling in their new roles

Whilst Mount thrives in central midfield, Carrick’s experiments with Yoro at right-back and Dorgu at left-wing are not so spectacular. Yoro was caught out of position a number of times today, did not convince going forward and was weak in the challenge for Atleti’s goal.

Dorgu made some positive runs early on but his final ball was disappointing and he seemed to run out of steam and ideas.

Final Thoughts

Mount exceptional in central midfield
Lacey earning place in squad
New positions not working for Dorgu and Yoro

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(A score of 6 is around average)

Tom Heaton 5 – Didn’t cover himself in glory for Atletico’s opener but made a sharp save towards the end of the first half to keep United in it.

Smart reactions from @TomHeatonGK

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 1, 2026

Leny Yoro 7 – He was an absolute monster at right-back once again, producing crucial challenges and posing a constant threat from attacking set pieces, where he got his head to two or three corners. He will feel he should have scored at least one.

Harry Maguire 6 – Not great for the goal but an otherwise astute performance.

Ayden Heaven 6.5 – He partnered Maguire well once again and played some superb forward passes to spark attacks.

Ayden makes his presence known

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 1, 2026

Luke Shaw 6.5 – Performed admirably down the left flank, though his most impactful moments arrived in the final third, where he compelled Jan Oblak to produce three fine saves before the interval. He will rue not finding the net himself.

Nearly an instant response as Luke meets Mason's cross on the volley!

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 1, 2026

Andrey Santos 7 – He has continued to impress during pre-season, demonstrating an impressive work rate, a willingness to engage in duels, and a progressive passing approach. Plenty to get excited about.

Mason Mount 7 – Top class in midfield. Composed on the ball, strong defensively, and provided excellent cover for Santos.

Shea Lacey 7.5 – Some fantastic footwork to win the penalty from which United restored parity. Continues to grow in strength with each passing game.

Shea wins it Bryan converts it

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 1, 2026

Amad 7 – Lively and was a constant threat to the Atletico defence. Worked hard, constantly tracking back to help neutralise the opposition’s threat. Wonderful to have him back after his exploits in the World Cup.

Looking lively pic.twitter.com/uW5B7PUHzC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 1, 2026

Patrick Dorgu 5  – Not operating at his usual level

Bryan Mbeumo 9 – Made no mistake from the spot and added a second later to give United the lead and complete the comeback.

Another goal for Bryan after a strong run from Jack Fletcher

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 1, 2026

Substitutes

Jack Fletcher 7 – Brilliant work for United’s second of the game. Intercepted the ball and broke into the box before taking a good touch and squaring the ball to Mbeumo.

Dan Armer 6 – Picked up where Maguire left off.

Harry Amass 6 – Much like Armer, he continued in the same tempo as Shaw, whom he replaced

Joshua Zirkzee 6.5 – Impressive cameo. Used his strength to hold off defenders and put a great ball across the box that just needed a finish.

Ethan Williams 5 – OK.

JJ Gabriel 6 – Came on in the closing stages for his United debut.

Jim Thwaites 6 – Same as Gabriel.

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