Manchester United began their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Despite the loss, Unite’s performance was encouraging, giving fans optimism that this campaign will differ from the previous one.
New signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo impressed on their competitive debut, but club legend Rio Ferdinand singled out defenders Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro for praise.
He told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “Everyone has been talking about the forwards, and that is rightly so, but I think there is a foundation behind good forward play.
“Lenny Yoro and Luke Shaw especially how comfortable they look now and how much improved they are. They look fitter, stronger, and more composed in defensive situations as well.
“That sets the foundation and springboard for us (Man United) to attack and for those prominent forwards that we are hopefully going to see more consistent output from.”
Shaw started as the left centre-back, his first start and game against the Gunners since the 3-2 loss at the Emirates Stadium in the 2022/23 season.
The England international put in a solid shift, making three tackles and one interception, winning three out of five ground duels and all his aerial duels.
Yoro equally impressed at right centre-back, recording six clearances – the joint-most of any United defender and four interceptions – the highest of any United player. He also won all five aerial duels, but just one of his five ground duels.
Shaw and Yoro’s ability to defend wide spaces is pivotal for the effectiveness of manager Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 tactical set-up, as it allows the wing-backs to bump forward, giving United more bodies in attack.
If the pair can overcome the fitness concerns that plagued them last season, they could become nailed-on starters for Amorim this term.
Stats from sofacore.com & transfermarkt.com