Heading into the new season, many supporters and pundits viewed it as a pivotal campaign for Leny Yoro as the club did not bolster their central defensive options in the transfer window.

Throughout pre-season, the Frenchman operated at right-back and looked impressive, but it was clear that role was only because Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui were recovering from their World Cup experiences.

Yoro played in centre defence against Brighton in the Carabao Cup and did little to ease concerns. Partnering Ayden Heaven in the backline, the young centre-back struggled to contain Brighton’s attacking threat.

Surprisingly, the Manchester United man was a late addition to Zinedine Zidane’s France squad for the latest international break. Even so, Yoro was not expected to feature prominently.

However, the former Real Madrid manager gave him the opportunity, and the teenager seized it with a confident debut against Belgium.

Yoro seemed to put his Old Trafford struggles behind him for France and the 20-year-old played all 90 minutes, made 72/78 passes, won 4/4 ground duels, 5/5 aerial duels, made one interception, and made six clearances. 

The defender was aggressive out of possession and confident with the ball at his feet as France won the game 4-1, with all four of their goals coming in the second half.

It was a performance from Yoro that earned praise from fans and pundits, as well as some of his teammates at United.

Reacting to his international debut on Instagram, Yoro wrote: "A separate evening. First steps in blue and victory! Thanks to our supporters for this incredible atmosphere."

In the replies to that post, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes were among those offering praise to Yoro. The two senior leaders in the dressing room will realise how this moment can give the defender some much-needed confidence.

"Top class mate," Maguire, the Frenchman's fellow centre-back, wrote. Meanwhile, club captain Fernandes added, "Proud of you kid," with a love-heart emoji.

Yoro's move to United from Lille was extremely exciting at the time but it is not easy for a defender to make an impact at such a young age.

He has had to learn a lot since arriving in the Premier League. Injuries and three different managers in that time have not helped either.

A positive display for France will not completely change Yoro's luck, and he still has to keep working hard to start consistently at Old Trafford, but it is a moment that could give him some confidence.

When you look at Yoro's skillset, there is everything needed for a top defender. He just needs to put it all together on a consistent basis, and to continue learning from those around him.

He will be hoping that he can show Michael Carrick that he is ready to contribute more in the coming months and become the starting centre-back at Old Trafford.