---
title: "Manchester United defender switches international allegiance"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/09/01/leny-yoro-man-utd-defender-ivory-coast/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Shumail Sajid"
section: "Man Utd News"
published: "2026-09-01T03:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T19:40:14Z"
---

# Manchester United defender switches international allegiance

**Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has reportedly made a decision over his international future, choosing to represent Ivory Coast rather than France.**

The 20-year-old was born in Saint-Maurice and has represented France at youth level, but he is now expected to commit his senior international career to the Ivory Coast.

The move brings an end to the speculation surrounding Yoro’s international allegiance and could see him involved with the Elephants as soon as the September international break.

## **Leny Yoro set for Ivory Coast call-up**

Leny Yoro is reportedly ready to join Herve Renard’s squad for the September camp if an announcement is confirmed. Ivory Coast is preparing for a crucial international break ahead of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

https://twitter.com/AdamaMagat/status/2094319808783188180/photo/1

A first senior appearance could therefore come in the next few days, provided the decision is officially confirmed.

For Ivory Coast, Yoro would be a major addition to their defensive options. The [Manchester United](https://readmanutd.com/tag/manchester-united/) defender has already made his mark at club level despite his young age, and his decision is expected to be warmly received by supporters of the Elephants.

France had remained an option because of Yoro’s previous involvement with their youth teams, but the United defender has now reportedly chosen to represent the country of his heritage at senior level.

The September window could therefore mark the beginning of a new chapter for the young centre-back.

From Manchester United’s perspective, Yoro’s international switch will give him the chance to gain experience at senior level while representing Ivory Coast in a competitive qualifying campaign. However, any selection in the future for AFCON will see him miss considerable games for Manchester United in the [Premier League](https://readmanutd.com/tag/premier-league/).

The decision is still awaiting official confirmation, but reports suggest Yoro has already made up his mind.