Ruben Amorim has a standout first-team Manchester United player who has all the “characteristics” needed for a key role in his tactical system at Old Trafford.
That is according to Premier League winner Phil Jones, who has been deeply impressed by what one “very reliable” talent has shown at Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim will now return to the dugout on Sunday for the Red Devils’ first Premier League match in the aftermath of the September international break.
United are back in action for the first Manchester derby of the 2025-26 campaign, with Manchester City hosting the Red Devils at the Etihad on the weekend.
United manager Amorim faces two tough tests in the coming weeks, with the Red Devils hosting Chelsea at Old Trafford after their encounter with Manchester City.
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim acknowledges the fans after the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Fiorentina at Old Trafford in 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Former Man Utd and England defender Phil Jones raves about Leny Yoro’s impact under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford
Leny Yoro has become a consistent starter under Ruben Amorim and the 19-year-old Manchester United defender has come into his own in the three-man backline.
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The Frenchman is capable of playing as the left-sided or right-sided centre-back in Amorim’s tactical system for United, with Leny Yoro impressing with his run of form.
The United centre-back arrived at Old Trafford from Lille in 2024 and Yoro missed the opening months of the 2024-25 campaign due to a pre-season injury.
Phil Jones has admitted that former Lille ace Yoro has shown two standout qualities that are “paramount” for the modern-day centre-back in the Premier League.
“I think he’s been really, really good,” he told Manchester United’s official website.
“I like the characteristics as a player, as a centre-back, especially on the right side of a back three.
“I think he’s got the pace and the athleticism, which I think is paramount for a centre-half, these days, in the Premier League.”
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Phil Jones has a major prediction for former Lille defender Leny Yoro after his strong start to life at Man Utd
Leny Yoro has started and played in all three of United’s Premier League matches in the new season ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby showdown at the Etihad.
Jones, who lifted United’s last Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson, has predicted that Yoro will be an “important player” for the club for the long term.
“Technically, he’s very good on the ball,” he explained.
“In the build-up, he’s very good and very reliable. He reads the game really well. He’s strong in both boxes.
“So, yeah, he is going to be an important player for Manchester United for many years to come.”
The Premier League encounter between United and Manchester City is slated for a 4:30pm kick-off time in the UK at the Etihad on Sunday.