Manchester United did not sign a midfielder at the transfer deadline, despite rumours throughout the window.
After strongly being linked to Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, Manchester United did not end up signing a midfielder in the transfer window.
Time will tell if this is a mistake, and Ruben Amorim must work with his existing squad.
United’s midfield options include Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Manuel Ugarte. Mason Mount might be a more attacking option who could play there too.
But there might be a more creative option, according to one former Premier League player.
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Leny Yoro tipped as midfielder
NBC Sports analyst Robbie Earle believes Manchester United should consider moving Leny Yoro into midfield, citing his defensive instincts, and a surplus of defenders.
Speaking on the Two Robbies podcast, he said: “I had a thought, because we’re saying, ‘OK, you need to go and buy one’, and Baleba was talked about. And again, I’m just chucking this out there, is there anybody else in that group that can help them?’
“Could Leny Yoro play as a midfielder, as a holding player?”
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He pointed out that United have numerous defenders available, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven. Plus Lisandro Martinez when fit.
He believes Yoro has the qualities to thrive in midfield, citing the recent goal conceded against Fulham where Bruno Fernandes did not track his man for the equaliser.
Earle said: “[Yoro is] an athletic midfielder who can see danger, who would track runners, who would understand the role, who can play in midfield.
“I’m not saying he’s a solution, but he might plug a gap next to Bruno, or if it’s not Bruno, Ugarte, or Mainoo.
“Leny Yoro would have the understanding. be more interested in running back and following than running forward.”
“Is there somebody Rodri-esque? You’ve got to find a solution.”
Position change suggestions tried, but never followed up on
There have been similar theoretical suggestions posed in recent years at Manchester United, that were never followed up on.
Victor Lindelof had experience playing as a midfielder at Benfica, and Lisandro Martinez also did so at Ajax.
But there was little appetite among their respective United managers to make such a switch, despite Erik ten Hag talking up Lindelof’s suitability for such a role.
Sir Alex Ferguson attempted to play Rio Ferdinand in central midfield, but it was not a success.
Yoro is still only 19-years-old and is on track to develop into one of the world’s best centre-backs. And that is not something United should mess about with.