Man Utd are wasting Leny Yoro and must try a new position
Manchester United are wasting Leny Yoro, the £59 million French defender, and must consider starting him in a new position as the Red Devils struggle defensively after three games that have seen them concede two goals each in the Premier League, with a 2‑2 draw at Everton highlighting the problem.
Defensive woes persist
Manchester United were held to a 2‑2 draw by Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday. Tyrique George and Ainsley Maitland‑Niles each scored for the visitors, meaning United have now let in two goals in each of their opening three league fixtures. The defensive frailties were also evident in the 5‑2 win over newly‑promoted Ipswich Town, where United allowed several soft chances.
Three members of United’s back four on Merseyside were signed in 2019 or earlier, with Lisandro Martinez the latest addition after arriving in 2022. Injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and inconsistent performances from Noussair Mazraoui have limited their impact. The club also sought left‑back competition for Luke Shaw this summer, showing that the issue is recognised by the hierarchy.
Yoro's case and potential role
Leny Yoro turned down Real Madrid to join Manchester United for £59 million in the summer of 2024, arriving as an 18‑year‑old. In two years he has made 41 starts, sitting behind Martinez and Harry Maguire in the pecking order. He has featured for only 22 Premier League minutes this season, replacing Diogo Dalot late against Everton.
Assistant manager Michael Carrick could deploy Yoro in a different role, as he possesses defensive nous, physicality and pace. Carrick’s comments suggest the Frenchman could be used from the start rather than as a late substitute.
Yoro’s ability to make line‑breaking passes and his speed against wingers make him a potential asset in a more advanced defensive position. Paying almost £60 million for a player who receives limited minutes raises concerns about United’s utilisation of resources.
The story was filed via Reuters By James Beavis AM GMT+1. James Beavis is a Senior Editor at GIVEMESPORT and has worked in the online football media industry for more than ten years. He graduated with a Sports Journalism degree from Southampton Solent University in 2012. He joined Football FanCast in 2016 after three years at Shoot Magazine, rose from freelance writer to editor, and moved to GMS in 2020. Beavis creates exclusive opinion and news content for GIVEMESPORT, focusing on the Premier League. The article appears on GiveMeSport. Us readers can comment on the piece. Follow the coverage.
United will train hard this week ahead of Manchester City’s visit to Old Trafford next Sunday. With City unbeaten in their first three Premier League games under Enzo Maresca, United’s defensive reshuffle, possibly involving Yoro, could prove crucial.