HOW HARRY MAGUIRE’S ON-FIELD TIPS ARE TRANSFORMING LENY YORO’S UNITED CAREER
Leny Yoro urges Manchester United to keep Harry Maguire and Casemiro, citing their vital mentorship for his growth.
Leny Yoro, Manchester United’s young defender, is making a clear call to keep some of the team’s most experienced players around for the long haul. The Frenchman has been vocal about how much he values the guidance he gets from Harry Maguire and the strong winning mindset Casemiro brings. According to Yoro, holding on to these veterans is key for the squad’s growth moving forward.
After their 3-1 win against Aston Villa, Yoro didn’t hold back when asked about Maguire’s future at the club. At just 20, he emphasised how important the 33-year-old defender’s presence is. “If he can stay next season, it’s really good for us. So I hope he’s going to extend his contract, and he can stay with us. We’ll see,” Yoro said. His focus was firmly on the value Maguire offers rather than the uncertainty surrounding contract talks.
Yoro also opened up about the mentorship side of things. Playing alongside Maguire has been a crucial part of his development, especially in adapting to English football. “Harry has so much experience; he gives me a lot of tips and talks to me a lot on the pitch. That really helps,” Yoro explained. He even described how their communication works in real time: “He’s always asking where the striker is; we chat before games and at half-time about how I can improve my positioning." Playing with him is really good for me.”
Then there’s Casemiro. Despite the midfielder signalling he might leave this summer after joining for £70 million in 2022, Yoro is keen on the club reconsidering that. He pointed to Casemiro’s undeniable influence not only on the pitch but also within the team environment. “Everyone wanted him to stay. He’s hugely important and showed it again against Villa. His experience is unmatched here; he’s won everything. That kind of presence helps us a lot during games and off the pitch,” Yoro said.
On the broader picture, Yoro has been a significant part of United’s push to third place in the Premier League this season since his €62 million move from Lille in 2024. With the Champions League spot in sight, there’s a clear sense of determination within the squad. “Every player wants to play Champions League, especially at a club like United,” Yoro said. “This club has to be in the Champions League. Hopefully, we’ll get there next season. Every match matters, but this one was especially important because Villa are right behind us. We’re really happy with the result.”
KOBBIE MAINOO COMMITS LONG-TERM FUTURE TO UNITED AFTER SIGNING £150K-A-WEEK BUMPER DEAL
Why Kobbie Mainoo’s new long-term deal is a game-changer for Michael Carrick's Manchester United project in 2026.
Kobbie Mainoo is sticking with Manchester United for the long haul. He just signed a new five-year deal, running until 2031, and his pay has shot up to about £150,000 a week, a pretty big jump for a guy who started as a youth player.
The last time Mainoo signed a contract, he was only 17 and just breaking into the first team. Talks about a new deal kicked off a couple of years ago, but everything paused when he left the squad during Ruben Amorim’s time in charge.
Once Michael Carrick stepped in as manager in January, things changed fast. Suddenly, Mainoo was back in the mix, and contract talks picked up speed. By early February, local reports were saying a deal would get done before the season wrapped up.
Mainoo’s proud of where he’s come from. “Manchester United has always been my home; this special club means everything to my family,” he said. “I grew up seeing how much this club matters in our city, and I love wearing this shirt and carrying that responsibility.
From my first training session at six, through The Cliff, Littleton Road, Carrington, and now Old Trafford, it’s been amazing. Living my dream every day, I’ve still got the same drive to succeed here.”
He feels the club’s momentum is building and wants to help United fight for trophies again.
Director of football Jason Wilcox is thrilled. “Kobbie’s one of the most naturally gifted young footballers out there. He’s got the skill and the work ethic, and he’s humble – a great example for other young players and a credit to our academy. We’re happy to have him stay, and we believe he’ll grow into one of the best, helping United chase the biggest prizes.”
This new contract closes a tough chapter for Mainoo. Earlier this season, he barely played just 213 minutes in the league and was considering a loan to Napoli before Amorim got fired. Since Carrick took over, Mainoo’s been a regular, missing only one game out of thirteen, nearly never leaving the pitch, and he’s been in stellar form. His partnership with Casemiro has helped power United’s turnaround, and now they’re eyeing a return to the Champions League.
FABRIZIO ROMANO CONFIRMS MANCHESTER UNITED MIDFIELD SHORTLIST FEATURING CARLOS BALEBA AND EDERSON
Fabrizio Romano reveals Manchester United's hunt for Ederson and Carlos Baleba. Plus, the latest on Marcus Rashford's Barcelona exit.
Fabrizio Romano has some fresh news about Manchester United's interest in Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Ederson from Atalanta.
Last summer, United poured most of their transfer money into attackers Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, all of whom joined the squad. Fans really weren’t thrilled that the club didn’t sign any midfielders, especially since that’s been a weak spot. The team looks stronger going forward now, but the plan for this summer is clear: United want at least two new midfielders.
Baleba was someone United checked out last year, but Brighton’s asking price scared them off. Lately, there’s been some buzz about Ederson from Atalanta, too. Romano laid things out during his latest YouTube update. He said United are set on upgrading their midfield, especially since Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro are both leaving. United will probably be linked to a bunch of midfielders, but they still haven’t decided who they’ll sign or which options they’ll activate.
Baleba’s been on United’s radar since August 2025. Apparently, he wanted the move, and terms between him and United were sorted, but it’s up to United to push ahead or walk away.
Now, about Ederson. Romano said Atalanta wants €45 m for him, and while he’s already agreed to personal terms with Atletico Madrid, Atletico haven’t sealed the deal because they think the price is too steep, especially with Ederson under contract until summer 2027 and not planning to sign a new one. Atletico are also looking at Julian Brandt and Joao Gomes from Wolves, who've been in their sights since January and are in talks with their agent Jorge Mendes.
Romano said two Premier League teams are eyeing Ederson, and United’s interest isn’t new; they were watching him last year, and he’s still on their list. United are up-to-date about Ederson’s situation, but nothing’s decided yet. Their moves depend on Champions League qualification and which manager takes charge. After that, they’ll choose which midfielders to go after.
Ederson’s been tracked by United for a while, but Atalanta wouldn’t let him leave last summer. Now, they’re ready to sell for €45m, but United still haven’t made a call.
Switching gears, Barcelona’s looking to renegotiate Marcus Rashford’s loan. Some reports from Spain claim Rashford will be the “first casualty” if Barcelona lands Julian Alvarez.
Romano gave an update on Rashford, saying he’s been great this season both on and off the pitch. Being at Barcelona isn’t easy, especially when you’re stuck on the bench, but Rashford stayed positive with teammates and the coach, who’s pleased with him. The ball’s in Barcelona’s court.
Right now, Barca wants to restructure Rashford’s loan. They haven’t triggered the €30m buy option from United, while United wants that clause paid or Rashford to come back, and they figure out whether to sell him outright or try something else.
There’s still a gap between what United and Barcelona want. Barca are considering other targets, and internally, they’re debating whether to keep Rashford.
Rashford’s keen to stay at Barcelona. He’s happy there and thinks he can shine even brighter next season. The connection is strong, but ultimately, it’s Barcelona’s call; either they activate the buy option or try to reach a new deal with United.
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