Harry Maguire’s sending off against Bournemouth means he will be absent from Manchester United welcoming Leeds to Old Trafford in over three weeks.
After Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Friday night, Michael Carrick was left fuming by the events surrounding both goals scored by the hosts.
The head coach said it was baffling that the two fouls resulted in different outcomes, as it cost United two points. Harry Maguire’s sending off was a correct decision, but the frustration came with Amad not getting a penalty for similar foul.
With Maguire now out for the game against Leeds, Carrick can unleash a duo capable of defining the next decade for United.
Should Michael Carrick be cut some slack because of the decisions that went against Man United?
Manchester United were awarded one penalty vs Bournemouth but denied another just before the equaliser…
Michael Carrick comments on penalty decision in Manchester United vs Bournemouth.
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Leny Yoro of Manchester United speaks to Ayden Heaven at the end of the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on December 8, 2025
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Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro must start against Leeds
With Maguire suspended, Manchester United currently have two first team defenders available to face Leeds, unless Lisandro Martinez starts.
This opens the door for Carrick to unleash Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro as a combination, which is a potential decade defining partnership for the Red Devils.
United haven’t started the pair together before in a back-four, but they are the future and have already shown they are ready to compete in the Premier League.
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Heaven and Yoro together have elite potential together, each having every singular quality needed to be a top tier defender in the modern game.
In many ways, Yoro and Heaven could be the new Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, as off the pitch, the two young centre-backs are already developing their relationship which makes for success long term.
Are you confident Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven can handle Leeds with Harry Maguire suspended?
What did you think of Maguire's sending off vs Bournemouth?
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Yoro and Heaven need to be trusted by Michael Carrick
Heaven’s game time has suffered since Carrick’s arrival at Old Trafford, but with Maguire out and Martinez unlikely to start immediately upon his return, it could be the 19-year-old’s game to start.
It would also be in Carrick’s best interests, given he is aiming to become head coach and by starting the young duo he’d be working for a long term plan.
Maguire looks set for a new contract, but even then he shouldn’t be starting next season given his age and limitations with mobility.
So starting Heaven and Yoro together would be laying the groundworks for next season and beyond. It isn’t even a big risk with both already performing well in the Premier League.
The pair are good enough to define the next decade for United, so its time that ball started rolling.
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