Manchester United return to the Strawberry Arena on Saturday to face Atletico Madrid in their third pre-season fixture of the summer. Last year, a goalless draw against Leeds at the same stadium proved underwhelming.
Right-back crisis forces Yoro out of position
The Reds have been hit hard by the extended break afforded to their World Cup stars, most noticeably at right-back. Both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are absent after international duty, leaving United without a recognised senior right-back. Jaydan Kamason has travelled with the squad, but Michael Carrick has opted to start Leny Yoro at right-back instead, allowing Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven to pair at centre-back.
Yoro needed at centre-back long-term
Both Dalot and Mazraoui are set to stay at United this season, so Yoro is unlikely to be needed at right-back. Next season, the Frenchman is in line to start at centre-back alongside Maguire or Heaven on the opening weekend at Hull City. With Lisandro Martinez an injury concern and Matthijs de Ligt definitely out, Yoro is arguably first or second choice central defender. As such, he needs to start matches at centre-back.
Opportunity for Kamason
Getting Yoro up to speed at right-back will not benefit the Reds long-term. This is a prime opportunity to give Kamason experience of senior football. When he came on at half-time in Trondheim, the 19-year-old provided two assists as United beat Rosenborg. That display should convince Carrick he can start alongside first-team players in pre-season.
So far, Carrick has fielded almost two separate teams. The one that started against Wrexham and Rosenborg included just three youth players: Jack Fletcher, Shea Lacey and Radek Vitek, all with senior experience. Based on that, Kamason, who has yet to make a senior appearance, is unlikely to start against Atletico. However, the article argues now is the time to bite the bullet for both the teenager's development and Yoro's preparation. Pre-season is about fitness and getting players up to speed in positions they will be needed when the Premier League returns.
