Three ways Manchester United's defense can lineup with Leny Yoro

The new defender can be a flexible figure in the backline.

The early days of INEOS ownership at Manchester United have seen the English giants secure two major signings. Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro have already joined the club ahead of the 2024-25 season. These players signify the club’s ambitions and their intentions of competing for trophies in the upcoming campaign.

The arrival of Leny Yoro was particularly noteworthy after Manchester United secured his signature, fending off competition from clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool and more. The 19-year-old centre-back is highly rated as one of the most gifted young defenders in Europe. 

🔓 Unlocked: a new angle of that @Leny_Yoro ping 😮‍💨#MUFC pic.twitter.com/rakB2BM4Kz

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 22, 2024

He will certainly be a key part of Manchester United’s plans for the upcoming season. His flexibility and qualities will allow Erik Ten Hag to implement multiple formations. Here is a look at three ways in which the Red Devils can line up with Leny Yoro in the backline:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

RB	CB	CB	LB
Diogo Dalot	Leny Yoro	Lisandro Martinez	Luke Shaw

This is likely to be the strongest defensive setup for Manchester United in the upcoming season. Erik Ten Hag prefers to have ball-playing centre-backs who can advance the ball well from the defensive third. Leny Yoro’s performance against Rangers in a pre-season fixture showcased his brilliant ball-carrying and passing skills which will come in handy.

His partnership with Lisandro Martinez will be interesting. Both defenders are brilliant readers and quick off the block. They can hold a high line thanks to their pace and advance the backline with their impressive ball distribution.

Formation: 3-5-2

RCB	CB	LCB
Leny Yoro	Harry Maguire	Lisandro Martinez

There will be occasions where Manchester United can have three centre-backs on the field while facing strong attack-minded opponents or when the club has to protect a narrow lead. In such scenarios, shifting to a three-man defence is a realistic outcome. In this setup, Harry Maguire shifts in the centre with Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez on his shoulders respectively. 

Harry Maguire’s prowess in clearances and duels can be a brilliant asset. On top of that, Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez’s speed and comfortability on the ball give the backline the flexibility to play out from the back. 

Formation: 4-2-3-1

RB	CB	CB	LB
Aaron Wan-Bissaka	Leny Yoro	Victor Lindelof	Luke Shaw

Manchester United will be contesting multiple tournaments in addition to the Premier League during the 2024-25 season, namely the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup and the UEFA Europa League. In these cups, Erik Ten Hag will look to rotate and use the squad depth while maintaining the quality, striking a perfect balance. In such a defensive setup, he would want the solidity of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Leny Yoro in the backline while incorporating Victor Lindelof and keeping Luke Shaw to ensure quality distribution from the defence to attack.

The possibility of injuries can force Manchester United to rotate the backline, an issue that plagued them heavily last season. In such a situation, Leny Yoro’s adaptability will be tested and the club’s £52m investment in the defender will be justified. 

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