Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has sent an alarming message to a current Red Devil, stating that the defender needs to pick his duels better.
Manchester United’s 2026 resurgence has left them in great standing for a spot in next season’s Champions League, as they currently sit third in the Premier League.
Michael Carrick has had an admirable start to life in the Old Trafford dugout, with his side picking up six wins, one draw and one loss in their eight fixtures.
It took the 44-year-old until his eighth fixture in charge to experience a loss, as his side fell short to a ten-man Newcastle United side, despite a Casemiro goal on the stroke of half-time.
Following this result, former Red Devil Rio Ferdinand has taken to his podcast to give some advice to a current United centre-back, telling him to pick his battles more wisely.
Ferdinand’s advice to Yoro
Leny Yoro has stepped into the United starting XI in recent weeks to replace the absent Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs De Ligt, although he struggled against the Magpies during their 2-1 defeat.
Speaking about Yoro on his ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ podcast, via Stretty News, Ferdinand said, “Leny Yoro, right now, is trying to fight too many fights in a game, when physically he’s not starting at the same place.
“They’re all much more physically developed. Most of the players he’s playing against, and number nines, especially, are stronger than him.
“So, then you’ve got to pick your battles. Pick your duel. Which one are you actually going to have if you’ve got a 60-40 in your favour? Then you go all in.”
Patience needed with Yoro
Only a couple of seasons ago, the young Frenchman was being touted as a world-class talent, and had the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain after his signature.
At only 20 years old, Yoro still has plenty of time to get things right at Old Trafford, which he showed many glimpses of doing under Ruben Amorim.
READ MORE: Manchester United’s defensive solution might already be in Michael Carrick’s squad
The French defender’s inexperience has cost him at times, which Ferdinand highlighted, as he has yet to figure out which battles to pick and when, although this will come with time.
As far as defensive talents go, there aren’t many better profiles than United’s young star, who will likely grow into his role with the right development.
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