Leny Yoro backed to keep Manchester United place after Leeds draw
Leny Yoro has been urged to keep his Manchester United place after a confident display in an unfamiliar right-back role during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road.
The teenage French defender was one of the stronger performers as United extended their winless run to six matches. His showing has prompted calls for Michael Carrick to retain him in the side even as injured players return to contention.
Yoro building momentum
- Yoro joined United from Lille two seasons ago and has endured a demanding adjustment to Premier League football following his major transfer to Old Trafford.
- Recent appearances have suggested growing assurance. He was described as solid in Madrid, while his preceding outing for France at centre-back was considered outstanding.
- Against Leeds, Yoro was deployed at right-back rather than his usual central-defensive position and helped United limit opportunities during a disciplined first half.
- His work at the far post, particularly when dealing with crosses, stood out in a physical away fixture at Elland Road.
Rio Ferdinand believes Yoro’s recent run of matches should now make him difficult to leave out. The former United defender said the 18-year-old appears to be gaining confidence each week and needs regular football to establish himself, regardless of which position ultimately becomes his long-term role.
Ferdinand praised Yoro’s willingness to defend his penalty area, noting that away matches require players prepared to put their bodies on the line. He also argued that the defender should stay in the starting line-up even when United’s injured players become available again.
Carrick takes positives from Leeds draw
The result itself offered little immediate relief for United, who have managed only one Premier League win this season and sit 13th in the table. However, Carrick highlighted the application shown by his players after a difficult week involving disciplinary matters and tension within the squad.
United used a more compact five-player defensive shape without the ball, giving Yoro and the rest of the back line a clearer platform to contain Leeds for long spells. Carrick said there had to be commitment in a match played with considerable intensity, adding that he had reminded the squad before kick-off of the history and significance of travelling to Leeds.
He has continued to point to the group’s resilience, but the need to convert draws into victories is becoming increasingly urgent after a slow start to the campaign.
Como fixture next for United
United now turn their attention to Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Como. A convincing European performance would help ease pressure around Carrington and provide a timely lift before domestic concerns return.
For Carrick, Yoro’s emergence is one of the more encouraging developments in an uneven opening to the season. The next selection will show whether the defender’s display at Elland Road has earned him the sustained run Ferdinand believes he now deserves.
