Harry Maguire believes Manchester United already have the makings of a long-term centre-back partnership in Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
The veteran defender has enjoyed a front-row seat to both youngsters’ development and believes they have everything required to become key players at Old Trafford. Maguire has also embraced the chance to help them along as they begin their careers at one of the most demanding clubs in world football.
Harry Maguire joined Manchester United from Leicester City for £80 million in 2019, making him the second most expensive signing in English top-flight history at the time. Now, several years into his own spell at the club, he appears just as interested in helping the next generation succeed.
Maguire sees huge potential in Leny Yoro and Heaven
Leny Yoro joined United from Lille in 2024 in a £52m deal and has already impressed despite being only 20.
Maguire has previously spoken highly of the French defender’s ability and believes there is still a huge amount of room for him to improve.
“Leny Yoro has all the attributes, the talent, and the potential to have whatever career he wants. It’s exceptional to see someone playing centre-back in the Premier League at his age, especially at a club like Manchester United. 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 has followed a similar path into the first team after moving from Arsenal in 2025. The 19-year-old has already established himself and Maguire has been impressed with his progress too.
“I’ve been very impressed with Ayden Heaven since he broke into the team,” the United defender added.
For Maguire, the development of both players is about more than simply giving them minutes. He wants to help them make the most of their potential.
“I think that comes quite naturally to me, I want them to have amazing careers.”
Maguire already imagines United’s future pairing
The United veteran can already picture a future where Yoro and Heaven are the central defenders leading the club into the next decade.
“In five or six years’ time, I believe he and Leny Yoro could be the central defensive partnership for this club. 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 hopes go even further.
“Hopefully in five or six years’ time, Leny, Ayden and Dan are fighting it out and playing together in this team – that’s all I want. They have the attributes and qualities to do that.”
The former captain also understands the pressure that comes with developing at United. Young defenders are constantly scrutinised, but he believes that will only make them better.
“They’re young, but they’re learning the game under the biggest scrutiny and analysis anyone can imagine and they’re only going to get stronger.”
And his ambition for them is clear.
“Hopefully one day they’re the main two centre-half partnership at this club and they’re winning the biggest trophies. Hopefully they’re the strongest partnership in world football – that’s what they’ve got to aim to do.”
Leny Yoro and Heaven are still at the beginning of their journeys, but Maguire believes the club could already have its defensive future taking shape.
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