Manchester United defender Leny Yoro would be happy to play on the right side as long as the transition helps me advance his playing career.
The Frenchman joined the Red Devils two years ago after cementing himself as one of the most exciting young defenders in Europe during his time at LOSC Lille.
The 20-year-old showed flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons at Old Trafford, but most observers would agree that he still has a long way to go before reaching his full potential.
Leny Yoro ready to play at right-back
With Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui given extended vacations following their World Cup participation, Michael Carrick started pre-season without his two recognised first-team right-backs.
The 44-year-old added the young Jaydan Kamasson to his squad, but Yoro has thus far occupied the starting role on the right side of the backline, a choice that has raised eyebrows among fans and observers.
On Saturday, the Frenchman delivered another solid showing at right-back, as Man Utd pulled off a come-from-behind win in their friendly against Atletico Madrid thanks to Bryan Mbeumo’s brace.
Statman Dave hailed Yoro for his ‘outstanding’ display in Stockholm, while highlighting some of his most impressive metrics.
Leny Yoro’s game by numbers vs. Atletico Madrid:
83% pass accuracy
68 touches
8 passes into the final third
7 ball recoveries
3 clearances
3 interceptions
3 chances created
2 tacklesAnother outstanding showing at RB. 👁️ pic.twitter.com/vmxMDowBA4
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 1, 2026
These numbers show that the young Frenchman has made vital contributions in both phases of the game.
After the contest, Yoro was interrogated about his new role. The defender insisted he remains a centre-back by trade, but he’s more than willing to embrace another role.
“[Centre back] is still my position, yeah, but obviously if I can be on the pitch – right back, centre back – if I can play, it’s the best for me,” said the Man Utd player via Stratford Paddock.
⚖️ "[Centre back] is still my position, yeah, but obviously if I can be on the pitch – right back, centre back – if I can play it's the best for me."
Leny Yoro says he has enjoyed playing right back in pre-season but suggests centre back is his preference 🔴#MUFC pic.twitter.com/HzYqSfe9Wq
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) August 2, 2026
Why Yoro’s move could be necessary for Man United
Based on the current evidence, Man Utd are heading to the new campaign with eight first-team defenders vying for four playing roles.
This obviously doesn’t include Patrick Dorgu, who has been exclusively used upfront since Carrick’s arrival, youngsters Harry Amass and Kamasson, who are unlikely to join the senior squad permanently, or even potential new signings, like Newcastle’s left-back Lewis Hall.
United’s current eight defenders are divided as follows: Five centre-backs (De Ligt, Maguire, Martinez, Heaven, and Yoro), and three full-backs (Shaw, Dalot, and Mazraoui).
Therefore, Carrick ideally needs to transition one of his centre-backs into a wider role to restore squad balance, and at this stage, Yoro appears to be the most likely candidate of the lot, especially based on his positive pre-season experiences.
While this doesn’t necessarily mean that the Frenchman would spend the rest of his career at right-back, his ability to perform multiple roles would only boost his chances of becoming the club stalwart he aspires to become.
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