Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has said he is ready to play in any position ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on the road.
The Frenchman has had a mixed start to his United career. He has struggled to nail down a starting role in central defence due to Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez’s presence.
Against Tottenham Hotspur recently, Yoro was picked to start at right-back ahead of Diogo Dalot, and he produced a relatively good showing before the latter replaced him.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference yesterday, Yoro was asked about his ability to adapt to the new position, given he has primarily played as a central defender.
In response, the £52 million signing said that he is capable of playing as a right-back too and added that he has no concerns about adapting to the demands of the manager.
He said (via Beanyman Sports): “Yeah, this is a position I can play. If I play centre-back or right-back, I am ready anyway.
“This is a position I like to play as well. Different things to do of course but you have to adapt and have to be ready. Whatever the position, I am ready to play and I am happy to play, there is no problem for me.”
Looking at his career statistics through Transfermarkt, Yoro did not play a single competitive game for Lille as a right-back, but has done so sparingly at United. He could still fare well in the role.
The 20-year-old possesses good recovery pace and can carry the ball forward. He has a slight weakness in physical challenges, but that may not be a concern as a right-back.
Yoro had a good outing against Spurs over the weekend, and he looks poised to start at right-back again against Atletico. His presence in the press conference was a huge hint.
Regardless, he would still start, with United facing an injury crisis on the left side of the defence, with Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui ruled out with injuries.
Diogo Dalot is likely to feature as a left-back tonight. Yoro looks set to continue as the makeshift right-back, and he can anticipate a tough test against Atletico on the road.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com