Golden validation: £52m INEOS gamble pays off as Man United star earns top award nod

Manchester United star Leny Yoro has been shortlisted among the top 25 for the annual Golden Boy award.

This prestigious recognition is presented annually to the best Under-21 player in European football.

Youngsters Ayden Heaven and Kobbie Mainoo failed to make the final 25-man list.

Yoro completed his transfer to Man United from LOSC Lille in 2024 for an initial fee of £52 million.

He signed a five-year deal running through to 2029, with an option for a further year.

The Red Devils had to fend off fierce competition from Real Madrid and several other European giants to land the teenage sensation.

In an era where United have made several poor signings, the decision to bring in Yoro already looks like a rare masterstroke.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is the most recent winner of the accolade.

Yoro has played 40 times for the Red Devils and has looked completely at home with the senior set-up.

He has thrived in the right centre-back role in Ruben Amorim’s back-three system, displaying maturity well beyond his years.

He spent his summer dedicated to building strength and conditioning, something evident from his noticeably stronger physique this season.

The Frenchman is a proactive defender, unafraid to step up and close down his opponents.

He is also a slick ball distributor and now needs to further refine his ability to play vertical passes.

Yoro struggled in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier this season.

It was a reminder to the United coaches and fans that he is still very young and will have difficult moments.

However, he is a generational talent and has the potential to be one of the best centre-backs if he keeps his focus on the right track.

The onus will be on Amorim to mould Yoro into the superstar INEOS believe he can become.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .