Manchester United's young French defender Leny Yoro has revealed the significant psychological shift within the squad this season, claiming players now have "more freedom in our heads" compared to last year's emotional struggles.
From Europa League Heartbreak to Renewed Optimism
The 19-year-old centre-back, who turns 20 next week, reflected on the dramatic contrast between United's current unbeaten run and last season's disappointing campaign. Yoro vividly recalled the crushing Europa League final defeat to Tottenham at San Mamés six months ago, where he sat on the turf with his head slumped, a moment that extinguished United's final hope of Champions League qualification.
"I think everyone knows last season was a really emotional season," Yoro admitted. "Not just for the coach, for everyone. It was tough, honestly, it was tough for us to sometimes face the games, face training. So everyone was emotional, to be honest."
United return to face Tottenham this weekend in a timely reminder of their European ambitions, with the team currently enjoying a four-match unbeaten streak that has brought renewed optimism to Old Trafford.
Building Without Bad Energy
The summer saw significant changes to the squad as head coach Ruben Amorim and director of football Jason Wilcox implemented their vision for the club's future. Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho all departed as part of the rebuild, while more than £200m was invested in new signings including Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
Yoro, who arrived from Lille for £52m as an 18-year-old, emphasised the importance of character in the new-look squad. "The character is really important, for the atmosphere of the team also," he said. "I think the club is doing well with this, to take only people who can bring good things to the team. We don't want any bad things in the team."
The French defender stressed that United "cannot build something with bad energy or bad atmosphere or bad characters", praising the current unified atmosphere where "there is no group of friends in the team. This is just one group of friends."
Champions League Ambitions Remain Paramount
Despite the absence of European football this season, Yoro made clear that Champions League qualification remains the primary objective for everyone at the club. United currently sit eighth in the Premier League after 10 games, with the visit to Tottenham serving as another measure of their progress.
"When you're in Manchester United, you need to play in Europe, especially with what happened last year," Yoro stated. "Everyone knows our idea is to be in the top, to be in the Champions League, of course. I think we can reach it."
The defender acknowledged that while missing European competition has provided more training time and mental freedom, returning to the Champions League is "really important for us this year to achieve this, and this is in the mind of everyone."
Yoro's adaptation to English football has been aided by his close friendship with Stockport-born midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has shown him around Manchester and even joined him on a summer holiday to Los Angeles. The young defender also revealed that former United star Rio Ferdinand has offered advice to the latest generation.
Despite interest from Real Madrid and United's disappointing 15th-place finish last season, Yoro insists he has no regrets about joining the club. "I know Manchester United, I know sometimes you can have a bad season, but this club is a top club, so you cannot have doubts about this," he said.
As Amorim approaches his second year in charge, United's improved mentality and squad harmony provide genuine hope that Champions League football could return to Old Trafford next season.
