Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Leny Yoro stepped up for Manchester United against Sabah and justified Michael Carrick’s faith in him.
Manchester United’s defence has been the weak point of the team this season, and Harry Maguire was rested against Sabah.
Maguire is the only centre-back to start all three matches in the Premier League for United this campaign, and the team has conceded two goals in all three.
Now after United kept a clean sheet in the Champions League against Sabah, it feels like Maguire could face a battle to get his place back.
Manchester United v Sabah FC - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Leny Yoro justifies selection
Leny Yoro was chosen to make his first start of the season. Michael Carrick selected him ahead of Ayden Heaven.
Yoro had been previously deployed as a right-back during his substitute appearances this season.
But this is a player who United invested £52 million to sign two years ago. With the defence performing poorly, bringing Yoro back into the team was the right call.
Carrick could easily have gone with Heaven, and he would have done a fine job. But this was Yoro’s turn, and he delivered.
While Sabah are clearly a poor side compared to United, Leny Yoro stepped up to the big Champions League occasion.
Yoro completed 90 per cent of his passes, and defensively he made two blocks and two tackles. He also made two interceptions and five ball recoveries.
United’s attacking players largely stole the show, while at the back, Martinez managed to get on the scoresheet and Dorgu impressed too.
Yoro was more understated. But he certainly did his job, and proved Carrick right.
Manchester United's Belgian goalkeeper #01 Senne Lammens, Manchester United's Moroccan defender #03 Noussair Mazraoui, Manchester United's Slovenian striker #30 Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United's French defender #15 Leny Yoro, Manchester United's English midfielder #37 Kobbie Mainoo (front row from L to R) Manchester United's Brazilian striker #10 Matheus Cunha, Manchester United's Cameroonian midfielder #19 Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United's Belgian midfielder #18 Youri Tielemans, Manchester United's Argentinian defender #06 Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United's Danish defender #13 Patrick Dorgu and Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder #08 Bruno Fernandes poses for a team photo before the UEFA Champions League football match between Manchester United and Sabah FK at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on September 10, 2026.
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
United were not flawless defensively
Manchester United were not totally flawless defensively. Sabah had two chances to score headers at the end of each half.
At the weekend against City, if United did give up those type of chances, in-form Erling Haaland will gladly sweep them up.
A clean sheet will do a lot for United’s confidence though. Everybody around the club will be feeling a little more positive heading into the derby.