The tension was palpable at Old Trafford, even before Bournemouth snatched a late draw against Manchester United in a breathtaking 4-4 thriller. But a different kind of heat was brewing on the United bench, captured by a sharp-eyed supporter – a visibly frustrated Ruben Amorim confronting Leny Yoro.
United had battled to a 4-3 lead with just eleven minutes remaining, only to see their hopes dashed by Eli Junior Kroupi’s equalizer. The result left Amorim openly critical of his defense, lamenting a recurring issue that continues to plague the team’s progress.
“We are lacking quality when we defend our goal,” Amorim stated bluntly after the match. He emphasized the disparity between United’s attacking prowess and their defensive vulnerabilities, a frustrating imbalance that’s costing them valuable points. “It’s really frustrating when the opponent doesn’t even come close to creating the chances we do.”
Now, footage has surfaced revealing a heated exchange between Amorim and young defender Yoro during the game itself. The clip shows Amorim returning to his seat, arms outstretched in exasperation, and launching into a passionate reprimand in Portuguese.
“The game has gone on for half an hour, what is Lenny doing?” Amorim demanded, his voice carrying the weight of his disappointment. The question wasn’t merely about Yoro’s positioning, but about his overall engagement and impact on the match.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Earlier in the month, Amorim had already voiced concerns about Yoro’s tendency to overthink situations on the pitch. Following a substitution during a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace, Amorim noted that Yoro “thinks too much.”
The manager explained that Yoro’s youthful eagerness to perform perfectly often leads to hesitation and mistakes. He acknowledged the pressure the young player feels, but stressed the importance of maintaining composure even after setbacks. “He’s growing with games and with setbacks, it’s not easy for him.”
Amorim also addressed Yoro’s visible frustration upon being substituted, recognizing it as a sign of his dedication but urging him to control his reactions. “He cannot give that reaction to the people,” Amorim said, emphasizing the need for a more professional demeanor, even in moments of personal disappointment.
Despite the criticism, Amorim remains committed to Yoro’s development, highlighting his fitness and readiness for future challenges. The manager clearly sees potential in the £52.1m signing from Lille, but also recognizes the need for focused improvement and a more resilient mindset.
