Leny Yoros repurposing as a right-back: Gary Pallister explains Michael Carricks thinking

Gary Pallister believes Leny Yoro does not look naturally suited to playing at right-back, although the Manchester United great can see the developmental value in giving the young defender experience outside his usual position.

Pallister spent nine seasons at Old Trafford after joining from Middlesbrough, winning four Premier League titles, three FA Cups, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup before returning to his former club in 1998. In part two of our exclusive interview hosted by Gambler Media, the former England international drew upon that considerable experience to assess Yoro’s deployment, fluctuating form and ongoing education alongside fellow youngster Ayden Heaven.

We asked Pallister whether some of United’s problems could stem from using players out of position, such as Leny Yoro at right-back.

“Leny played out in the European game, didn’t he?” said Pallister, “which was a game that we could make changes with and should still have beat that team with the B team really.”

“I don’t think he suits being there, but it’s time on the pitch and it’s learning.It does help you understand other positions on the pitch, I guess.”

Did you have a similar experience during your own playing career?

“I remember in a couple of games, sort of pre-season friendly games, my manager at Middlesbrough played me right-back just so I could get a feel for how that position felt for me playing there and get a better understanding of what I need to do when I’m playing with my right-back.”

“It’s a good learning curve for him.”

The future

“I just need to see him at centre-half. He’s been up and down with his form. He’s been at the club now two years, I think.”

“He’s still young, as is Heaven. They’re young lads and they’re still learning the trade. You’re going to get that, I think, at that age — ups and downs.”

Final Thoughts

• Pallister does not believe right-back naturally suits Yoro.
• He nevertheless sees positional versatility as a useful learning tool.
• Yoro and Heaven are still developing and likely to experience uneven form.

Read part one of our exclusive interview here.

Featured image by Evan Treacy/Getty Images