Man Utd get Leny Yoro boost as defender makes progress in injury recovery

Leny Yoro is stepping up his return with the Manchester United defender now walking without crutches.

United swooped to sign Yoro in July, bringing the highly-rated centre-half in a deal worth £52million having seen off interest from Real Madrid.

Supporters got their first glimpse of the 18-year-old in a pre-season friendly against Rangers but he was forced off in the first-half of United’s pre-season tour of the USA against Arsenal.

United were dealt a shuddering blow when it was confirmed Yoro had fractured his metatarsal, forced to undergo surgery in August.

The French defender was unveiled at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season against Fulham alongside his fellow new arrivals – who have since been joined by Manuel Ugarte.

Yoro needed crutches to make his way onto the Old Trafford pitch that night but the Manchester Evening News report they are no longer required with his recovery is progressing well.

Yoro has also been working in United’s Carrington training base in the gym, working closely with the club’s physios.

After he underwent surgery in August, a time frame of three months was given for the former Lille star to make a full recovery. Yoro could be in contention to return to action in November.

While the injury marked a nightmare start to life at the club, ten Hag praised Yoro’s maturity in dealing with the setback.

‘He expresses one of the reasons why we signed him,’ Ten Hag told Sky Sports. ‘Very mature, great personality, dealing with it, looking forward, be positive. He’s already started his rehab.

‘A fire is burning there. As I say, for his age, he is already very mature and very balanced. You don’t get him distracted,’ ten Hag said in August.

‘He knows what he wants he knows where he wants to go and I’m sure he will be returning as soon as possible to support the team and he will help the team winning games and winning trophies.’

Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez started the season as ten Hag’s first choice pairing at the back with Matthijs de Ligt, another new arrival at centre-half, coming in against Liverpool.