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Manchester United have learned Leny Yoro caught the eye when making his France debut in the 4-1 win over Belgium in the Nations League.
The 20-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Les Bleus recorded a third win in four Nations League matches under new head coach Zinedine Zidane.
Yoro received the nod after Jeremy Jacquet was not fit enough to start alongside Maxence Lacroix in the heart of France’s defence.
Soir de première pour Leny Yoro ! https://t.co/MC4FYEQKOf
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) October 5, 2026
And the young centre-back went on to make the joint-most defensive contributions (11) against Belgium at the Stade de France.
Yoro has received subsequent praise from the French media, with RMC Sport giving him a six out of 10 in their player ratings.
They wrote: “The defender made a concerted effort to push forward as often as possible, focusing particularly on the right flank.
“He also remained vigilant against Lukaku. It was through these forward runs that he truly distinguished himself from Jacquet.”
In quotes carried by Canal+, Yoro said after the match: “I don’t think I could have asked for anything better. A home match against Belgium, with my family there.
“It was a really great game, too. Of course, we would have hoped for a clean sheet, but we got the win, so we’re not going to complain. It was amazing.”
🥇 Most touches
🥇 Joint-most defensive contributions
🥇 Most duels won (9/10)
🥇 Most aerials duels won (5/5)
Some international debut for Leny Yoro 🌟 https://t.co/HwM3DqYyLD
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 5, 2026
He will hope his performance against Belgium will stand him in good stead when Zidane names his next France squad for the November international break.
The two-time World Cup winners, who are top of Group A in the Nations League, return to action on Thursday, 12 November when they travel to Italy.
Yoro yet to start for United this season amid loose transfer talk
Yoro will also be looking to use his display against Belgium as a springboard when returning to United for the resumption of the Premier League this weekend.
The defender is yet to start a league game for the Red Devils, receiving just 22 minutes of football against Ipswich Town and Everton.
Yoro did start from the get-go in the clashes against Sabah and Brighton and Hove Albion in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, however.
He joined the 20-time league champions from Ligue 1 side Lille in July 2024 for €62million (£52m) and has made 70 appearances, scoring one goal.
There has been loose speculation suggesting Yoro is frustrated with his current role at United, though he is contracted to the club until 2029.
United entertain strugglers Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
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