Rio Ferdinand calls out Man Utd account over Leny Yoro post

Rio Ferdinand has hit back at a viral social media post that compares him to Manchester United defender Leny Yoro – and he certainly makes a good point.

Earlier this month, United head coach Ruben Amorim suggested Yoro has the ability to become "one of the best centre-backs in the world" if he continues to progress at Old Trafford.

"He has improved a lot," Amorim told Sky Sports. "Even the physicality. You can see in the small things. He is stronger... even in set-pieces. He is going to play better this season."

The 19-year-old, who joined United from Lille last summer for around £52 million, gave a good account of himself in his debut season and was a shining light in an otherwise poor campaign.

Many have praised the teenager, including X account @Utd_Forever7, who has compared his achievements at the age of 19 to United legends Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Jaap Stam.

Yoro is expected to play a key role under Ruben Amorim this season. Image credit: Getty

"At 19 years old, Rio Ferdinand was on loan to Bournemouth," the account wrote. "At 19 years old, Nemanja Vidic was playing for Red Star Belgrade. At 19 years old, Jaap Stam was playing for FC Zwolle."

They added: "At 19 years old, Leny Yoro is playing for United. He has such a high ceiling."

A few hours later and Ferdinand pointed out that he had already made his England debut at the age of 19 and was close to racking up 100 Premier League appearances at the time.

Responding to the post, he said: "Brooooo I had played nearly 100 PL games by 19 & had made my England debut."

Ferdinand is widely regarded as one of the Premier League's greatest defenders. He made over 500 appearances in England's top flight, winning six Premier League titles with United, as well as a Champions League.

Yoro impressed against Arsenal. Image credit: Getty

Rio Ferdinand played key role in Yoro's transfer to United

In his first interview as a Manchester United player, Yoro opened up on a conversation he had with Ferdinand before the move went through.

"I was really impressed to speak with him and, yeah, we spoke like 10 minutes about Man United, so he helped me a lot to make my choice. It was really an honour to speak with him," said Yoro in July last year.

"He spoke to me about the club, and that this is a historic club with a big story, and if I go there I need to fight for the club, to be ready, because this is the biggest club in the world. For me, it was really good to speak about this."

Ahead of the upcoming season and Ferdinand has predicted Yoro's performance levels will "grow" this season.

"Leny Yoro, I think, is a fantastic talent. The prospects, the talent, isn't a question," he told MUTV. "It's about fulfilling that talent, that potential, and I think he's a serious person, works hard."