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Speeding Shock: Man Utd's Leny Yoro Banned from Driving
Leny Yoro, Manchester United's highly-rated young defender, has driven himself into hot water, receiving a six-month driving ban and a £666 fine after being caught speeding. This incident casts an unwelcome spotlight on the player off the pitch, even as his on-field importance grows for the Red Devils.
Key Points:
- Leny Yoro received a six-month driving ban and a significant fine.
- He was caught driving 72mph in a 30mph zone.
- His lawyer cited "rushing a friend" to the railway station as the reason.
- The incident casts a shadow as Yoro becomes a pivotal player for Manchester United.
Yoro Handed Six-Month Driving Ban
In addition to the fine, the 22-year-old must also cover £120 in court costs and pay a £266 victim surcharge. The Manchester United defender did not attend the hearing, but his lawyer, Lisa Nevitt, told the court he had been “rushing to take a friend to the railway station.” She also conveyed an apology on his behalf.
Nevitt added: "He is not liable to a totting up disqualification but understands because of the speed involved that it is highly likely the court will impose a disqualification rather than penalty points. Our client would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the incident which came about as he was rushing to take a friend to the railway station.
"Our client further states that he believes where the speeding took place was at a point where the road was broad and there was little prospect of being any contact with any vulnerable road users such as pedestrians."
United Secured Yoro Ahead of Madrid
Yoro joined Manchester United in 2024 for £52 million ($68m), with the club beating several suitors to secure his signature. Real Madrid had also been strongly linked with the defender, but he ultimately chose a move to Old Trafford.
His arrival has coincided with a turbulent spell for the Red Devils. Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January after just 14 months in charge, and the team endured a disappointing campaign. Despite that, Yoro has made it clear he stands by his decision.
"Even with last season, I never had this feeling of regret," he said. "I know Manchester United, I know sometimes you can have a bad season. But this club is a top club, you cannot have doubts about this. I knew the project before I came. Of course, I did not expect to finish 15th in the first year - this is something we need to face.
"But today my choice is Manchester [United] and I'm really happy with this. I know some people talked about this last year because of the results. I can understand them, but honestly, it's my choice and my career. I know what I'm doing and I'm just going to be better in the future."
Backed to Shine at Old Trafford
Yoro is widely viewed as a long-term pillar for United’s defence. Former Red Devil Phil Jones praised the young centre-back in an interview with the club’s official website.
"I think he's been really, really good. I like the characteristics as a player, as a centre-back, especially on the right side of a back three.
"I think he's got the pace and the athleticism, which I think is paramount for a centre-half, these days, in the Premier League. Technically, he's very good on the ball. In the build-up, he's very good and very reliable. He reads the game really well. He's strong in both boxes. So, yeah, he is going to be an important player for Manchester United for many years to come."
