Manchester United look set to play Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in defence at Chelsea with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire suspended
Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven could line up as the centre back pairing for Manchester United against Chelsea on Saturday
They might be forced into it, but Manchester United will likely field rookie centre back pairing Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.
The duo have struggled for meaningful minutes under Michael Carrick but with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire suspended, and Matthijs De Ligt injured, the youngsters are poised to begin the crucial Premier League clash in the heart of defence.
Yoro has made 30 appearances for United this season, having taken advantage of a recent injury to Martinez, but he is yet to fully convince. The 20-year-old was signed for big money from Lille in 2024 and that decision was with one eye on the long-term.
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United, who fought off competition from Real Madrid to sign the Frenchman, believe there is huge growth and potential in Yoro and the expectancy at Old Trafford is that he will form part of the backline for years to come.
It’s a similar story with Heaven. The 19-year-old arrived from Arsenal, seeing a quicker route into senior football. He has impressed with his quality and attitude and is another who is seen as a long term fixture in the defence.
Heaven was handed plenty of minutes by Ruben Amorim but has hardly featured since Carrick took charge with the boss preferring experience.
His last start was in the 2-2 draw at Turf Moor in January while he hasn’t started a game alongside Yoro since Leeds away at the turn of the year. That came under Amorim and in a back three. Heaven and Yoro have not played together in a back four, as they will at Chelsea on Saturday night.
It will be a glimpse into what United and Ineos hope will be the future with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co actively seeking to sign younger players who they can develop into first team stars.
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But it should also serve as a transfer reminder that United need to address the defence in the summer. Maguire has extended his stay but Martinez and De Ligt are too injury prone to be relied on and the club must be close to reaching a tipping point with both where they try and cut their losses.
Certainly De Ligt’s days feel numbered and United need a an injury free prime age centre back to help fill the void and bridge the gap between Yoro and Heaven, and the experienced Maguire.
Saturday night will be an indication of the future but it should serve as a reminder of the present.
2026-04-16 03:00:00
