Gary Neville has urged Michael Carrick to stop deploying Leny Yoro as a right-back for Manchester United. During the draw at Everton over the weekend, the Frenchman entered the pitch in the 84th minute, replacing Diogo Dalot on the right side of defence.
However, Yoro found himself out of his depth in the role, playing too centrally and essentially operating as a third centre-half. The build-up to Everton's dramatic stoppage-time equaliser at the Hill Dickinson Stadium originated from Yoro's flank, with the defender subsequently criticised for failing to close down Jack Grealish and blocking the pass across.
Neville doubles down on criticism
Following the match, Neville questioned Carrick's decision to introduce Yoro at right-back, and he has now doubled down by insisting that the United head coach must "stop" deploying him in that position.
Neville said on Friday: "I don't think he understands right-back, which is fine, a lot of centre-backs don't, but we've got to stop bringing him on there and thinking he's a right-back."
"My feeling is Michael [Carrick] maybe sees him as a more defensive right-back option, similar to what Liverpool did last night [with Ronald Araujo] given their issues at right-back."
Carrick defends his tactical choice
Carrick began deploying Yoro at right-back during pre-season, having utilised him in that position during the 2-1 victory against Atletico Madrid in pre-season.
When quizzed on his reasoning behind that move, Carrick said: "A lot of people look at a team sheet and only see positions. I look at players and what they're capable of doing."
"Leny is one of the most intelligent footballers in this squad, and intelligence gives you options. With a few players unavailable, I wasn't interested in putting someone there just because they're a natural right-back."
"I wanted someone who could read the game, stay calm under pressure and help us build from the back. Leny gives you all of those qualities."
"He's comfortable on the ball, he's excellent in one-versus-one situations and he understands space. Those are the things that matter most in modern football."
"Whether you've played that position your whole career is secondary if you have the right mentality and football intelligence."
"What impressed me most was his reaction. I told him where I wanted him to play, and there wasn't a single complaint or question."
"He simply said: 'No problem, boss,' and got on with it. That's the attitude every manager wants. Football today is about adaptability."
"The best players can solve problems in different positions without the team's level dropping. Leny showed that against Atletico Madrid, and I thought he handled the challenge brilliantly."
Yoro returns to centre-back
While Carrick seems eager to deploy Yoro at right-back, the 20-year-old returned to his preferred centre-back position alongside Lisandro Martinez for Thursday's commanding win over Sabah.
Yoro completed the entire match as United kicked off their Champions League campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory.
