“It will be funny to face him” - Manchester United defender Leny Yoro makes feelings clear about facing former teammate during Bournemouth clash

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro is relishing a face-off with Bournemouth star Bafode Diakite when the two sides clash in the Premier League on Monday, December 15. The duo were formerly teammates at Ligue 1 outfit Lille before switching to the Premeir League.

Ruben Amorim's side will look to make it two wins on the bounce when they host the Cherries at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are undefeated in their last three league games and will fancy their chances against a struggling Bournemouth side, who are winless in their previous six league outings.

Ahead of the Monday night clash, center-back Yoro spoke with United Review (via the club's website) and opened up about facing his former comrade, Diakite. He said:

"Of course, we still have good relations," Yoro confirmed. "We played together in Lille. He's a really top player and also a really good guy.

"So, it will be funny to face him, I'm going to say, but he knows already we cannot give anything to each other. It will be a tough game also. It will be good to face him," he added.

Yoro and Diakite lined up together 35 times for Lille across two seasons. The former signed for the Red Devils in the summer of 2024 for a reported €62 million, while the latter joined Bournemouth the following summer in a deal reportedly worth £34 million.

The two Frenchmen have established themselves as regulars for their respective clubs this season. Yoro has featured in all of United's 15 league matches this term, contributing one assist. Diakite, on the other hand, has turned out 12 times for Andoni Iraola's side so far this campaign.

Manchester United will look to snap winless streak against Bournemouth

Manchester United come into the clash with AFC Bournemouth on the back of an impressive 4-1 win over a similarly struggling side, Wolverhampton Wanderers, last week. However, the visitors will travel to Old Trafford hoping for a positive result, mindful of United's inconsistent form and their recent head-to-head record against the Red Devils.

Ruben Amorim's side have managed only one clean sheet this season, conceding 22 times in many games. Furthermore, they are winless in their last four meetings with the Cherries (two losses and two draws), with both victories being 3-0 wins at Old Trafford.

A win will see Manchester United, who currently sit eighth in the standings with 25 points, overtake the likes of Crystal Palace, Liverpool, and Sunderland and draw level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.