Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has issued a warning to Michael Carrick regarding the use of Leny Yoro at right-back, stating that the nominal centre-back is not cut out for the position.
In the current season, Carrick has predominantly relied on Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in central defence, leaving Yoro with limited playing time. The Frenchman found himself deployed as a right-back during the closing stages of the Premier League clash against Everton, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Neville believes this tactical shift contributed to Manchester United's struggles in the latter part of that match.
Neville said:
“Manchester United are conceding two goals per game. You simply can’t afford to let that happen.
“United had to change their back four mid-game. Yoro’s positioning on the right highlights a problem—he's too close to the centre.
“So much happened before the goal. When you're away and trying to see out a result, you need to push up properly and avoid silly mistakes.
“They could have stopped that attack much earlier. I was literally shouting during that episode because the team needed to be organised, and they just weren't in the dying minutes.”
Later, Neville further elaborated on Yoro’s role:
“I don’t think he understands how to play as a right-back. There’s no shame in that—many centre-backs struggle with it.
“But we need to stop putting him there and assuming he’s a right-back.
“I have a feeling Michael might see him as a more defensive option on the right—similar to how Liverpool used Ronald Araujo due to their own issues in that position.”
After three matches this season in the Premier League, Manchester United have already conceded six goals. However, Carrick's side managed a resounding 4-0 victory against Sabah in the Champions League on Thursday.
