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Rio Ferdinand sends plea to Rúben Amorim, he ‘must protect’ Man Utd’s teen star with “huge potential”

Rio Ferdinand has sent a plea to Ruben Amorim as he believes that one Manchester United star with huge potential must be protected.

Manchester United take on West Ham in New Jersey this evening, marking the second outing of Ruben Amorim’s pre-season campaign.

Following a goalless draw with Leeds in Sweden last weekend, the Reds have now arrived in the United States for the next leg of their summer schedule, with upcoming matches against Bournemouth and Everton still to come.

Bryan Mbeumo completed his move to United after the Leeds fixture but in time to join the squad for the tour and begin settling into his new surroundings.

Fans hoping to catch a first glimpse of the new signing will have to be patient, however, as he has not been included in the matchday squad.

Instead, the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and Leny Yoro have been included in the starting side and they are set to play longer than the 45 minutes they played last weekend.

Ferdinand sends plea to Amorim about United star

Rio Ferdinand is in attendance at the MetLife Stadium for the United clash and the club legend spoke about multiple different players ahead of the game.

Asked about Yoro, Ferdinand had glowing words for the young defender, naming him as a player with ‘huge potential’. However, he also explained that Amorim and the club must protect Yoro by surrounding him with quality in the backline.

“Yoro, undoubtedly huge potential,” the 46-year-old said. “The likes of Real Madrid don’t come in for you unless you’ve got potential. He has that.

“He started off a little bit shaky, but he’s improved no end throughout the rest of last season. And I think this season, again, he’ll jump again.

“But the sky’s the limit for that kid. Just need to make sure he put the solid parts around him as well, to make sure you protect him as well, because he’s a young boy.”

Yoro’s defensive partners are strong

United’s starting back three against West Ham also included Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven. Some would argue that it is Amorim’s strongest backline.

De Ligt provides the defensive strength and leadership in between two youthful wide defenders. Yoro has showcased an improving passing ability in that role too.

Read More: Manchester United on alert after PSG transfer list “world-class” star, Rúben Amorim favourite in trouble

While it is not a perfect defence, it certainly does not seem like one of United’s problems and it seems like Yoro is getting what Ferdinand wants.

Many fans are also expecting a big season from the Frenchman next term, with his performance levels only improving since he arrived at the club last summer.


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