Bold claim: Face-to-face with a former teammate will spark an unforgettable matchup. Manchester United’s Leny Yoro is set to square off against a familiar foe when Bournemouth visit Old Trafford in the Premier League on Monday.
In today’s game, players study opponents in astonishing detail, but Yoro has a rare and personal insight into his upcoming rival. Bafode Diakite, Bournemouth’s player, is someone Yoro knows well from their Lille days. According to Transfermarkt, the two shared the pitch 35 times during their time in Ligue 1 before both moving to the Premier League this season.
In an interview with United Review, the club’s official matchday programme, Yoro said facing a former teammate will be “fun,” though once the whistle blows, it will be all about the competition.
“Of course, we still have good relations,” Yoro explained. “We played together at Lille. He’s a top player and a very good guy. So, it will be funny to face him, I’ll admit, but we know we can’t give anything away to each other. It will be a tough game as well. It will be good to face him.”
Yoro spoke to United Review, which is available online or in person at home games.
After a strong start to the season, Bournemouth’s form has dipped somewhat. Andoni Iraola’s side travel to Old Trafford under the lights on Monday night seeking their first win since beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the end of October. Still, Yoro and his teammates aren’t underestimating the threat Bournemouth presents, so once handshakes are done with Diakite, they’ll focus on the game.
Bournemouth’s visit marks United’s third Monday-night fixture in four weeks. While Monday games pose travel and scheduling challenges for fans, they can also create an electric atmosphere that Yoro is eager to experience.
“Yeah, these kinds of games are good for us,” Yoro said. “Everyone enjoys watching these matchups. Let’s do it.”
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— by Isaac Stacey Stronge, Sunday 14 December 2025 06:59
