Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt verdict given as Rio Ferdinand picks Manchester United’s ‘best’ XI

Rio Ferdinand has picked his best Manchester United’s best XI as he makes his verdict on new signings Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro.

Manchester United‘s season so far has been nothing short of a disaster, with the club sitting 14th in the Premier League table and yet to win in the Europa League.

Draws against the likes of Crystal Palace, FC Porto, and FC Twente, as well as 3-0 losses at Old Trafford against Liverpool and Tottenham, have left Erik ten Hag and his squad exposed to criticism.

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Beyond complaints about poor results, there has been much discourse surrounding United’s best starting XI, with many debates surrounding the centre-back position.

Phil Jones played defender at United for 12 years after signing from Blackburn in 2011 before leaving the club in 2023, so he is well-versed in the art of defending.

Rio Ferdinand, who won 14 trophies during an illustrious career with the Red Devils, recently spoke to Jones on his ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ podcast, where the pair discussed United’s current best XI.

United signed three new defenders this summer: Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui. They also brought in midfielder Manuel Ugarte and striker Joshua Zirkzee.

Ferdinand explained that he feels that, out of all United’s 2024 signings, only Yoro gets into the club’s best XI, leaving the conclusion that out of Yoro and De Ligt, the 18-year-old Frenchman is the superior talent.

The legendary centre-back said: “Right now, in the formation that they’re playing, if everyone’s fit: Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Højlund.”

Ferdinand then added: “I don’t think it’s difficult. It isn’t like we’ve got 18 players going, ‘I should be playing’, justifiably. By the way, if you don’t play well, get out! Sit there and watch. No grey areas.”

The other somewhat rogue pick Ferdinand made was Jonny Evans. Evans has received a lot of praise recently for his performance against Aston Villa, where the 36-year-old was named the Player of the Match.

Ferdinand left out Lisandro Martínez, who Ten Hag sees as an essential cog in his system. Martínez has been criticised for his performances so far this season.

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