Man United’s Leny Yoro names ‘big’ Aston Villa player he liked going up against

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Manchester United’s latest signing Leny Yoro has hailed an Aston Villa player for being one of his toughest opponents.

Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United completed the signing of French defender Leny Yoro last week and the teenager made his debut for the Red Devils during pre-season.

We had reported that United were keen on Bayern Munich defender Matthijs De Ligt and the club could also sign two centre-backs, if there is a departure at the club.

We had previously reported that Real Madrid were Yoro’s preferred destination this summer but United swooped in and snatched the teenager from under the noses of Los Blancos.

Yoro names Ollie Watkins as one of his toughest opponents

Yoro, during his time at Lille, certainly made a name for himself but had to play some of the best players in the world in Ligue 1.

Former Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, who completed a move to Madrid this summer on a free transfer, will certainly be one of Yoro’s toughest opponents.

However, in an interview with Manchester United’s website, the 18-year-old named Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as another opponent who he found life tough against.

“I really liked to play against, of course, [Kylian] Mbappe,” said Yoro. “It was a really big, big, big, deal, so yeah for me it helped me a lot to improve myself.

“It was good against [Aston Villa star] Ollie Watkins too, because this is a big striker here.”

Watkins played against Yoro and Lille last season during the Villains’ Europa Conference League campaign and it was the Midlands side who came out on top thanks to a superb penalty shootout performance from Emiliano Martinez.

Yoro will certainly have a tough time in the Premier League for United

The Frenchman was a wanted man this summer with HITC reporting that Liverpool were working hard to sign the 18-year-old. Yoro, however, chose United.

However, Yoro, following the departure of Raphael Varane who left United on a free, may well be the starting centre-back for the Red Devils next season.

This would certainly be a risk for United but the quality that Yoro possesses will make him a brilliant addition at Old Trafford but it may take time for the 18-year-old to settle in the Premier League.