Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has spoken out following harsh criticism from French football legend Thierry Henry, who questioned his performance in United’s humbling 4-1 loss to Newcastle United.
The Red Devils suffered a crushing defeat at St. James’ Park, with their defensive frailties exposed throughout the match. Among the under-fire players was 18-year-old Yoro, whose display drew particular attention after a moment of hesitation led to Harvey Barnes netting his second goal of the night.
Following the match, Henry, speaking on a televised football analysis show, expressed disbelief at Yoro’s actions during that crucial moment. The former Arsenal striker questioned the young defender’s decision to glance toward the assistant referee instead of reacting to Barnes’ movement, suggesting a lack of awareness and urgency. He said he had “never seen that before,” implying it was an unprecedented lapse in defensive instinct.
Footage from the game showed Yoro looking at the linesman moments after Barnes scored, possibly in expectation of an offside flag that never came. Henry saw this as a sign that United lacked the fighting spirit and desire demonstrated by their opponents, who outplayed them in intensity and organization.
Henry’s critique sparked considerable debate online, with some supporters defending Yoro, citing his age and inexperience. Others, however, echoed the pundit’s sentiment that Premier League defenders must possess sharper instincts, particularly in high-pressure scenarios like Sunday’s fixture.
In the wake of the backlash and intense scrutiny, Yoro took a calm and composed approach in his response. Rather than engage in a war of words, the teenage centre-back posted a Bible verse, Philippians 4:6, on his social media: “Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.”
His message appeared to serve as a quiet but resolute rebuttal to the criticism, reflecting a mature mindset amid the heat of public opinion. It also suggested a player intent on staying focused, grounded, and faithful in his journey, even in the face of harsh judgments.
Yoro is in his debut season with Manchester United, having arrived from Ligue 1 where he played for Lille. The transition to the Premier League is notoriously challenging, especially for young defenders still learning the game’s intricacies at the highest level. While he has shown flashes of promise, consistency remains an area he must develop.
The Premier League’s fast pace, physicality, and tactical demands require defenders to make split-second decisions under pressure. Yoro’s moment of hesitation may have highlighted the adjustment curve he is still climbing, but it’s far from unusual for players of his age and background.
What’s clear is that the scrutiny will not go away, especially at a club with the stature and expectations of Manchester United. However, young players like Yoro need time to adapt, grow, and develop the mental toughness required to succeed at this level. Harsh public analysis, while part of the game, must be balanced with the understanding that growth is a process.
Yoro’s biblical response reflects inner strength and resilience, traits that may prove just as vital to his development as his physical or technical attributes. With time, support, and the right guidance, the young defender has the potential to turn his early stumbles into stepping stones for long-term success.
