Manchester United have endured a woeful season which could yet end with Europa League silverware.
Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui reckons teammate Leny Yoro is the perfect example of a player who has adapted to Ruben Amorim’s new formation.
Both Mazraoui and Yoro were signed last summer to play a flat back-four system under Erik ten Hag’s leadership. However, that would last just a few months with the Dutchman being sacked in-late October, and then replaced by Amorim in November.
With a new coach came a new formation. Now, United are favouring a three centre-back defence and with wing-backs operating on either side.
The Reds also play with two No.10s in operation and that has seen all the squad having to adapt their game to fit into Amorim’s plans. Speaking with Premier League Productions this week, Mazraoui explained that his defensive partner Yoro is showing the squad how to fit into the new style at Old Trafford.
“Yes, I think a big example of that is Leny,” the Morocco regular replied when asked if the players are starting to learn how to play under Amorim. “How he started off as this left centre-back and how he is doing now.
“He has really improved. The way he is taking the ball, he is carrying the ball a lot more, it is a little bit where [do] we want to go and end eventually.”
Yoro’s ability to play on the left hand side of the back three is particularly useful at the moment following a new injury to Diogo Dalot. With Luke Shaw needed to cover left wing-back, having Yoro holding down his position in the defensive line is critical.
There has been plenty of talk surrounding Mazraoui’s role in the XI – and how he can be best utilised in the 3-4-2-1 system. Giving a definitive response, the ex-Bayern Munich said: “I think I have great qualities in defence, as well as in attacking, so I think right centre-back suits me at this moment really well.
“But I like to play wing-back from time to time, just to really attack, you know.”
United make the long trip down to the south coast to meet AFC Bournemouth this afternoon (2pm), before their crucial Europa League semi-final first leg tie with Athletic Bilbao follows on Thursday night.
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2025-04-27 11:00:07
