Manchester United have a welcome selection dilemma in defenceplaceholder image
Manchester United have a welcome selection dilemma in defence | Getty Images
Man Utd face a long break before they return to action against Everton in the Premier League.
If there is one criticism of Michael Carrick at Manchester United, it's that they are in danger of becoming a bit predictable. An unchanged starting line up was named for the draw with West Ham on Tuesday night. It would be a surprise if there were no changes for the trip to face Everton later this month.
Benjamin Sesko is the obvious choice to come into the side after his latest heroics from the bench. Having already found a winner against Fulham at the start of the month, he rescued a point with another excellent finish at the London Stadium. There will still be matches in which a fluid forward line is best, but in matches when they can expect to have more possession, he poses a unique threat in attack.
He is not the only one who has made a strong case to start. Although it was Sesko who put the ball in the back of the net, the goal would have been a mere consolation if they had fallen two goals behind. They would have done so, if not for the immense contribution from fellow substitute Leny Yoro.
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Yoro could take Maguire's place
Just as Manchester United have different options in attack to adapt to opponents, they also have variety in central defence. Harry Maguire has enjoyed an excellent run under Michael Carrick as a no-nonsense centre-back, but it was Leny Yoro who stole the show against West Ham.
The 20-year-old made crucial blocks from Callum Wilson and Adama Traore in added time on Tuesday night, which ensured United remained in the match to make Benjamin Sesko's strike count for something. Yoro is not at Maguire's level as a defensive rock yet, but he shone with his own skill set of mobility and athleticism to combat the West Ham counter-attack.
While there are things Maguire can do that Yoro can't, there are also things the young Frenchman can do that the experienced Englishman can't. It makes for a compelling dynamic in the final months of the season now that there is one fewer centre-back role after their recent formation change.
Yoro has yet to start a match under Carrick and has been an unused substitute in three of their five matches since he took charge. Yet, he has already made more appearances this season than he did across his debut campaign, and is making steady development at such a young age.
It would not be a total disaster if he continued to play back-up to Maguire for the remainder of the campaign, though his performance from the bench on Tuesday night was the latest demonstration of why he might be the better option to start some matches instead. He definitely deserves more opportunities and should get plenty next season ahead of an anticipated return to European competition.
The French youngster has required patience over the last few weeks, and some more might be required before he is a regular in the starting line up again. Maguire is still the leading candidate in matches when United are expected to have their backs to the wall, but Yoro has demonstrated he can offer something very different in the defensive line.
Carrick's starting line up has suddenly become a lot less predictable.
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