Manchester United’s squad is gradually adapting to Ruben Amorim’s tactics, as evidenced by the increasing number of chances they’ve been creating in their recent matches. While scoring has been a bit of a struggle, the teamwork between the defenders and midfielders has visibly improved. You can see their better coordination when the team moves forward.
In the past, the players often leaned towards transitional play. Now, under the Portuguese manager’s guidance, there’s a push for more controlled football, expecting specific actions from each position. For example, Amorim has encouraged his center-backs to advance when in possession. This was demonstrated clearly in Sunday’s clash against Manchester City, with players like Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro stepping up confidently.
Bravery is becoming a hallmark for the United defenders, particularly when it comes to passing. Center-backs are tasked with breaking the lines effectively with their distributions. Lisandro Martinez was a master at this before his injury cut his season short, and in his absence, the young French talent Leny Yoro has taken up the mantle, showcasing a remarkable 90 percent passing accuracy in his recent league outings.
Yoro highlighted this approach in a chat with the club’s media. “We need to control the game as defenders. Bringing the ball forward helps both our strikers and midfielders, so I aim to do that,” he shared after the derby match.
He added, “Ruben asked me to do it. I am ready to do it and I can do it.” Against Manchester City, Yoro managed a 90 percent passing accuracy, with 21 of those passes breaking through the forward lines. The previous week against Nottingham Forest, he reached a 93 percent passing accuracy and achieved a perfect record on his long passes.
Before the international break against Ipswich Town, Yoro excelled once more, boasting a 95 percent passing success rate along with a flawless dribbling record. What’s truly impressive is that he’s operating from the left side, which isn’t his natural position, yet he’s thriving. This season is his first with Manchester, and it’s been interrupted due to a few injuries.
Yoro’s development under Amorim’s guidance speaks volumes. He had a bit of a rough start, a reality he’s admitted. Yet, his fitness is improving weekly, raising the exciting possibility of his future potential being incredibly high.
“I struggled a bit with adjustment initially, but it’s getting better with each game. I aim to improve and support the team at full capacity every time I play.” Yoro commented. “We played quite well against City; we deserved a goal, perhaps. Still, keeping a clean sheet and gaining a point is progress. We need to maintain this improvement as there’s plenty of potential,” he added.
Amorim must be thrilled with Yoro’s performances, previously at Lille. If Yoro continues like this, he’ll significantly contribute to Manchester United’s quest to secure a Champions League spot via the Europa League triumph.
Cover image by Michael Regan via Getty Images.
Find us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social.
