Leny Yoro makes his case at centre-back for Manchester United

Lisandro Martinez has identified Leny Yoro as part of Manchester United’s defensive future after the Frenchman started at centre-back in Thursday’s 4-0 win over Sabah Baku.

Michael Carrick selected Yoro in his natural position after using him at right-back through pre-season and the opening fixtures. Yoro did not struggle outright in that role, but he was not an obvious fit either, with concerns that he was approaching the position with the instincts of a centre-back and at times looked uncomfortable.

There had been calls for Carrick to use Yoro centrally, and the Sabah Baku match offered him that opportunity. Yoro’s performance gave United a positive display to assess in his preferred role.

Yoro delivers at centre-back

Against Sabah Baku, Yoro looked composed from the first minute. He was comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, confident carrying it forward and intelligent with his positioning as United controlled the game from the back.

His contribution extended beyond defending. Yoro helped the team build from the back, while his physical display also provided positives. His movement in defence and ability to cover the full-back were commendable aspects of the performance.

Martinez praised Yoro after the match, highlighting his defensive work, use of the ball, calmness and composure in one-v-one situations. Martinez also described Yoro as the future of the club and said the squad must help him develop, according to Steven Railston via The Peoples Person.

What it means for the derby and beyond

Yoro is unlikely to start Sunday’s derby, but the Sabah Baku showing has given Carrick more to consider among his central-defensive options. His display followed the calls for him to be used at centre-back rather than continuing a right-back experiment that had not fully convinced.

With further opportunities in the position and performances that build on the Sabah outing, Yoro can gradually establish himself as an important player in United’s central defence. The prospect of him being phased in while Harry Maguire is phased out remains an assessment of how the situation could develop rather than confirmed planning.