Leny Yoro explains subdued celebration after first Manchester United goal | OneFootball

Leny Yoro netted his first goal for Manchester United in Thursday night’s Europa League quarter-final against Olympique Lyonnais—but his reaction was notably restrained.

The 18-year-old defender scored just before half-time, heading home instinctively to level the score at 1-1 after an early mistake from Andre Onana gifted Lyon the lead. Despite the milestone, Yoro barely celebrated, offering only a brief fist pump before jogging back into position.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the 2-2 draw, Yoro explained his muted response: "I didn’t enjoy too much – no celebration because it’s normal, we want to win, no time for celebration. Really happy to score my first goal. We don’t have the win but it’s okay."

Describing the goal itself, which came from a deflection off a Manuel Ugarte shot, he added: "Honestly, it was really quick, I didn’t even think about anything. I just put my head, and tried to score."

United looked to have secured a solid away result until Lyon equalised in the dying moments, a blow that wasn’t lost on Yoro. "I think this is the worst moment to concede a goal like that. We were winning 2-1, I think away this was a good score, but we go with a draw and we try to win the game at home."

Despite the disappointment, the Frenchman remained optimistic, noting the team’s overall performance. "We defended really well but they are a good team, a good striker. We need to be ready for everything, but unfortunately we conceded the goal."

Looking ahead to the return leg at Old Trafford, Yoro believes United are still in a strong position. "I think to be together like that, defend really well, I think we did really well. It was compact, we tried to block every counter-attack, things like that we need to keep it and to give everything at Old Trafford."

He admitted the late goal hurt their confidence but stressed the team’s resilience. "I think if we won 2-1 we would be more confident for sure. We conceded this goal, it’s difficult but we need to keep our heads up. We didn’t lose, we can win at Old Trafford."

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