Leny Yoro impressed at centre-back in the 4-0 win against Sabah FK in the Champions League.
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When Leny Yoro moved to Manchester United for upwards of £50 million, many thought he could become a starter before the end of the campaign. But injuries and managerial changes have held him back during his time at Old Trafford.
The Frenchman never played a competitive match for the manager who brought him to Manchester, Erik ten Hag. And when he did return to fitness, rather than playing in a back four as he did at LOSC Lille, Yoro had to adapt to life as a wide centre-back in Rúben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation.
Now, under Michael Carrick, Yoro is featuring at right-back and centre-back. In pre-season, the 20-year-old started at right-back, with Ayden Heaven and Harry Maguire in central defence. He also played there from the bench against Everton, but struggled to handle Jack Grealish's threat.
Against Sabah FK, Yoro returned to central defence alongside Lisandro Martínez. Not only did Manchester United keep a clean sheet, but Yoro looked composed and assured – something that cannot be taken for granted from a young centre-back.
It seems Martínez was also impressed by Yoro's performance against the Azerbaijan champions.
Martínez brands Yoro as "future"
Speaking to journalists after the Champions League win, Martínez said: "Amazing performance from Leny.
"He played so well defensively, with the ball, being calm, being composed in every situation, one-vs-one.
"He's the future of this club, honestly. And we have to help him, you know."
Yoro is unlikely to start against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, although his performance against Sabah will not have done his chances any harm.
Manchester United face Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, which could offer Yoro another opportunity to play from the start. Ayden Heaven will also be hoping to return to the starting lineup, having not featured since the opening-day defeat to Hull City.
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Why Yoro could play at right-back vs Brighton
Yoro could once again be forced into full-back if Luke Shaw's injury is worse than first thought.
Shaw missed the Champions League tie against Sabah FK on Thursday evening, having not trained on Wednesday either. Reports claimed it was a "designated rest day" for Shaw, but given his injury history, it is understandable to see Manchester United fans concerned.
If Shaw is injured, Noussair Mazraoui could start at left-back, with Yoro taking Dalot's place at right-back. Dalot will be entitled to a rest against Brighton, having started against Ipswich Town, Everton, Sabah, and likely Manchester City.
Patrick Dorgu could also drop into left-back, as he did against Sabah, but it would be more of a risk against a Premier League side. The young Dane was handed the Man of the Match award against Sabah, but notably struggled defensively for the opening half hour.
Yoro, on the other hand, thrives when given defensive responsibility, and has improved defending in the wide areas more recently. In pre-season, he also showed he could assist the team in the attacking third when playing at right-back.
Lisandro Martínez branded Leny Yoro as the future, but he did not say in what position.