Erik ten Hag provides Leny Yoro update and makes bold prediction about injured Man Utd defender

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has described summer signing Leny Yoro as "one of the biggest assets in European football" as the defender continues on his road to recovery.

The 18-year-old defender completed a move to Old Trafford this summer having impressed at Lille last season, where he completed 1,727 passes in Ligue 1 – the most by a teenager across Europe's big-five leagues in 23/24.

Yoro, who joined the ranks at Old Trafford for an initial £52.2 million, impressed on his debut in a pre-season game against Rangers at Murrayfield.

But the teenager fractured the fifth metatarsal on his left foot in a friendly against Arsenal on United's US tour, ruling him out for around three months.

A report emerged last month that suggests Yoro will miss the opening three games of the new Premier League season, meaning he would be unavailable for selection against Fulham, Brighton and Liverpool.

Per the injury timeline, it puts his return date on September 14 at Southampton.

Speaking to Sky Sports about how Yoro is dealing with his injury setback, Ten Hag gave a glowing reference of the young defender.

"This is one of the reasons why we signed him, he's very mature and has a great personality. He is dealing with it [the injury], looking forward and being bright," said Ten Hag.

"He is being positive. He's already started his rehab. There is a fire burning there and as I've said, for his age he is very mature. He won't get distracted and he knows what he wants.

"He knows what he wants to go and I'm sure he'll be returning as soon as possible and will be supportive of the team winning games and trophies.

"You [the players] need heart and you need head, both traits are very important, so we need both things right to form a team and in a team you need different skillsets, but personality, mentality and character are very important to construct a winning team."

Image credit: Getty

Ten Hag heaped further praise on Yoro during an interview with SuperSport this week.

"We are so happy we have signed him," he said. "He is one of the biggest assets in European football. Leny knows that he has to progress a lot. We know we to help support him. We know we have the skills in the team to help him achieve his high ambitions."

Ten Hag added: "The potential is absolutely there. We are sure he can help us win games and trophies."