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Man United sent clear Leny Yoro message after Erik ten Hag and Alejandro Garnacho row

Leny Yoro shouldn’t cause Erik ten Hag too many headaches, at least according to the Frenchman’s former coach.

Manchester United confirmed the £52million (potentially rising to £59m) capture of the highly-rated 18-year-old on Thursday, having beaten Real Madrid to his signature. Given his reputation and price tag, United supporters might expect Yoro to be chucked straight into Ten Hag’s starting line-up, but the defender himself wo n’t necessarily share that view.

Former Lille boss Jocelyn Gourvennec, who handed Yoro his senior debut, hailed the youngster’s humility and eagerness to learn, suggesting he’ll have no qualms about being eased into the United setup and won’t cause any problems for ten Hag.

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“Sometimes young players think they don’t have many things to learn so they don’t listen,” Gourvennec told Sky Sports. “They think they’re ready now. Of course, in most cases, it’s not the case.

“It’s not like that with Leny. He was very happy to learn, to hear, to accept what we have to say. That’s important because when you are young and very professional like that, you can go very far. You say one thing and it’s understood immediately. You don’t have any problems with these players.”

Gourvennec’s comments will be music to the ears of Ten Hag, who infamously clashed with Alejandro Garnacho just a few months into his stint at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman took his time while introducing Garnacho, who was Yoro’s age (18) at the time, into the first team picture, choosing to keep a firm hold of the reins amid concerns about the Argentinian’s attitude.

“He still has things to learn,” Ten Hag said after Garnacho notched two assists off the bench against Aston Villa in November 2022. “It depends on his approach, his attitude. When he keeps working then yes, it is possible (for him to play more). He wants to improve every day. He has to do the right things in his lifestyle.

Problems between the pair began when Garnacho reportedly turned up late for pre-season on two occasions, and while their relationship has improved over the past couple of years, Ten Hag is still having to crack the whip every now and then.

Alejandro Garnacho’s attitude was criticized by Erik ten Hag back in 2022 -Credit:Getty

Back in April, the Red Devils boss once again insisted that Garnacho had “a lot to learn” after the forward ‘liked’ two social media posts criticizing Ten Hag’s decision to hook him against Bournemouth. Garnacho later apologized, but couldn’t escape a public telling off.

“Alejandro is a young player. He has to learn a lot,” Ten Hag told reporters a few days later. “He has apologized for it and we move on.” Yoro, according to those who have worked with him, will apparently not butt heads with ten Hag like Garnacho has.

After making his debut in the 2021/22 season at just 16, Yoro broke into Lille’s first team during the following campaign but had to wait a further year before being handed a regular starting spot. The 6ft 3in star ended up making 60 appearances for the Ligue 1 club and scoring three goals.

Yoro could make his debut for United this afternoon (July 20) with the Red Devils taking on Rangers in their second pre-season match of the summer, although the France U21s ace isn’t expected to start.

United will be desperate to bounce back after their 1-0 defeat to Rosenborg on Monday, particularly with friendly games against Arsenal and Liverpool on the horizon, as well as next month’s Community Shield clash against Manchester City.