Leny Yoro is experiencing some difficult form at Manchester United at the moment which has led many fans to believe he is better off playing from the left side of defence.
Manchester United signed Leny Yoro in the summer of 2024 from Lille after beating Real Madrid to the then-teenager’s signature and it was a significant coup.
Yoro was one of the best young defenders in Europe and had all of the traits you want from a centre-back in the modern game.
After an injury in pre-season of 2024 impacted the start of his United career, Yoro produced solid displays when he returned under Ruben Amorim in tough conditions.
He was regularly one of United’s best players last term but has found it harder this season, particularly in recent games.
Yoro has explained what he’s better at on the left side
Yoro had one of his worst performances in a United shirt on the weekend as the Reds fell to a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, with both of the goals conceded being partly Yoro’s fault.
On the right side, he failed to pressurise Morgan Rogers on both occasions and the in-form Villa star curled in two beautiful efforts to win the game.
The Frenchman’s recent problems have come when he has been playing as the right-sided centre-back in Amorim’s back three and many fans believe that Yoro is better on the left.
Despite being right-footed, Yoro has looked more comfortable on the ball and when defending wide areas when he has started on the left side.
The 20-year-old has spoken previously about which side he prefers to play from, and while he stated that he enjoys playing on both sides, the youngster suggested that it is easier to drive forward with the ball from the left.
“Honestly, I like both, you know,” Yoro explained. “On the left, I can go ahead with the ball, and in the right… Of course, in the left, sometimes you need to use more your left foot, but… It’s not really a problem for me, so… I feel good in both.”
Yoro could also do with time out of spotlight
Right now, Luke Shaw is the left-sided centre-back for United in the back three and that probably won’t change if the Reds stay in the same formation.
But if United were to adjust to a four-at-the-back formation, which is something that has been reported, Yoro could potentially operate on the left side of the backline in that shape.
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It does seem like that is his natural side and he is more comfortable playing in those zones, but he is also simply going through a poor spell of form for United right now.
With Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire coming back from injuries soon, it would be good for Yoro to have some time out of the spotlight but fans would clearly like to see how he performs when he returns to the left side of the defence.
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