Harry Maguire has tipped Leny Yoro to become an ‘all-time great’ at Manchester United. The ex-Manchester United captain expects Yoro and Ayden Heaven to form Manchester United’s centre-back partnership in ‘five or six years time’.
Maguire’s Praise for Yoro
Maguire spoke glowingly of Yoro, who moved to Old Trafford from Lille in 2024 for £52m. Despite interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid and PSG, United secured his signature on a five-year contract. Yoro has made 62 appearances for the Red Devils.
‘Leny Yoro has all the attributes, the talent, and the potential to have whatever career he wants,’ Maguire told DHL Express. ‘It’s exceptional to see someone playing centre-back in the Premier League at his age, especially at a club like Manchester United.’
Maguire added: ‘He’s doing an amazing job and there is still so much more he can improve on. Hopefully, in 10 or 15 years’ time, we’re sitting here putting his name in that bracket of the all-time greats.’
Heaven’s Potential at United
Maguire also commented on Ayden Heaven, who moved to Manchester from Premier League rivals Arsenal in 2025. Heaven has made 15 appearances for United this season.
Maguire said: ‘I’ve been very impressed with Ayden Heaven since he broke into the team. In five or six years’ time, I believe he and Leny Yoro could be the central defensive partnership for this club.’
Maguire added: ‘The talent is there; now it’s down to them to keep working hard and pushing. They both have amazing futures ahead of them here.’
Maguire’s United Future
Maguire’s Manchester United career appeared uncertain after he was stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag in 2023. However, the 33-year-old is enjoying one of his best ever seasons at Old Trafford and his form earned him a recall into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Maguire’s current United contract is set to expire in the summer but the club are believed to be keen on him staying given not only his form but the leadership and experiences he brings.
‘Leadership is vital in the dressing room and around the club because you don’t win anything without people who set high standards and help the younger lads feel confident on the pitch,’ Maguire said of his role in the squad. ‘The best teams always have a balance of great leaders and experience within the squad.’
Manchester United were stagnating under Amorim but have improved drastically since Carrick was appointed as caretaker manager.