Man United 'prepared' to accept Leny Yoro offer, January exit likely

Manchester United could be prepared to entertain loan offers for Leny Yoro when the January transfer window opens.

The 20-year-old has started just two games so far this season, and has struggled to find regular minutes in the starting XI since his big-money move in 2024.

He made his senior debut for France during their 4-1 win against Belgium on 5 October, but there is a feeling he could continnue to struggle for minutes at Old Trafford.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that there are concerns inside the club about Yoro's lack of experience and know-how at the top level.

While the technical elements of his game have been widely praised, his physicality has not developed as expected, and there is a belief he needs to be playing regularly.

As a result, Man United could open the door for Yoro to leave on loan in the January transfer window with a view to developing his game before a return to Old Trafford.

Could Leny Yoro be allowed to leave Man United?

Brown told Football Insider in January that Yoro has benefited from playing alongside his more senior teammates including Harry Maguire since his move to Man United.

However, his development has not been as meteoric as many had hoped when he joined from Lille, and he could now be sent out in search of more regular game time.

There are believed to be clubs interested in offering Yoro a bigger role in their sides than he is receiving at Man United, and they could explore a move in January.

"It's a difficult one to judge with Leny Yoro because he is a very talented player," Brown told Football Insider.

"The problem at the moment is, he needs to be playing every week to develop his game, but that's not going to happen at Man United because they can't afford to take a risk.

"They'd prefer to go with more proven, tried and tested options because of the situation they are in, they need to win games so they don't have time to focus on developing players.

"Yoro is excellent technically, on the ball he's very good, but the physical and the mental side of his game is lacking, and I'm told that has become a concern for Man United.

"The only way you can develop that is by playing every week, experiencing these situations and adapting, but that isn't happening at the moment.

"I think they could be prepared to send him on loan in January, because it would help his development and get him ready to play a role for them long-term.

"I have no doubt there will be clubs interested in taking him on loan until the end of the season, because as I said before, he is very talented.

"It could be the type of deal that works for everybody, Man United, Yoro and whichever club gets him, and they would all benefit from him spending some time away."

Man United gearing up for major defensive overhaul

Yoro is not the only Man United defender whose future is uncertain as things stand, with the club gearing up for a potential overhaul of their defence in 2027.

Michael Carrick has concerns about his current options at the back, and after failing to address major problem positions in the summer, plans are now being put in place.

Football Insider revealed on 4 October that defensive signings are now a priority for Man United and multiple additions could arrive when the January transfer window opens.

The addition of a new left-back has been high on the wish list at Old Trafford for a while now, while there is also a belief they may be in need of new centre-backs as well.

The Red Devils addresed their attacking options in 2025's summer window and installed a new-look midfield in 2026, with 2027's focus now set on Carrick's back five.