Man United Yoro gets France call‑up after Real Madrid's Konate
Leny Yoro, the 20‑year‑old centre‑back of Manchester United, has received his first senior France call‑up from new national team manager Zinedine Zidane after Real Madrid defender Ibrahima Konate withdrew with a minor right‑knee sprain.
International debut under Zidane
Zidane’s selection adds Yoro to a group of seven newcomers, alongside Guillaume Restes, Jean Butez, Andy Diouf, Jeremy Jacquet, Lucas Da Cunha and Esteban Lepaul. The youngster had already been at the France camp following an under‑21 call‑up from manager Gerald Baticle.
Club situation at Old Trafford
Yoro has struggled for game time at Manchester United since joining the Red Devils in the summer of 2024, remaining an unused substitute in three of the opening five Premier League matches.
He featured for 16 minutes in the win over Ipswich Town and six minutes in the draw with Everton, but has not started a league game this season.
His only starts have come in the Champions League opener and the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton, where his partnership with Ayden Heaven attracted criticism.
Support from senior staff
Former captain Michael Carrick defended Yoro, saying, “He’s 20, Leny, you know? He’s got a fantastic future ahead of him and a lot of potential, and he’s learning, he’s developing.” Getty
Carrick added that training alongside world‑class duo William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano could boost Yoro’s confidence.
Future prospects
United paid £58.9 million to Lille for Yoro, beating Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint‑Germain for his signature.
The France call‑up may provide Yoro with the platform to earn more starts and prove his place in United’s long‑term defensive plans.