Rio Ferdinand has singled out Leny Yoro for praise after Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Leeds United, insisting the France international deserves an extended run in the team.
Michael Carrick's side led through Bryan Mbeumo's first-half goal at Elland Road, but a defensive change at the break saw Lisandro Martinez replaced by Noussair Mazraoui, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin powered home a deserved equaliser for Leeds.
Ferdinand hails Yoro's composure
Despite the disjointed second-half display, Ferdinand was impressed by Yoro's composure and determination to match Leeds aerially, especially given the defender was playing in an unfamiliar right-back role.
Speaking on Rio Presents, Ferdinand said: 'I thought the first half was really solid, really sound, kept the opposition chances to a minimum.'
'I thought Leny Yoro, especially in the first half, defending the back post was top drawer. He looks like he's growing in confidence and he looks like he just needs a run in the team now.'
Yoro's growing confidence
Yoro has had a difficult time since joining United from Lille as a teenager two years ago, but Ferdinand believes the defender is now showing his quality on a consistent basis.
'I don't know what position he'll make his own first but he will go I just have to be in this team,' Ferdinand added.
'If he just continues playing the way he is and continues to get games, I don't care who gets back fit now I think he needs stay in the team, prove his worth.'
Strong displays for club and country
Ferdinand pointed to Yoro's recent performances for both United and France as evidence of his improvement.
'I think every week he looks stronger, I thought in Madrid he looked solid, the game before for France he was outstanding at centre-back and he comes back with a new-found confidence and I think that's good for Manchester United,' he said.
'The way he defended those crosses at the back post and in those away games you've got to have people willing to put their bodies there and I thought today in that sense especially he was top class.'
