Former Wimbledon attacking midfielder Robbie Earle believes Manchester United have the solution to their midfield conundrum right in their roster.
The Red Devils invested heavily in the squad over the summer, roping in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens.
Diego Leon arrived from Cerro Porteno in July after a deal had been agreed in January this year. However, United were also in the market for a new midfielder, with the position viewed by many as the team’s Achilles heel.
Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba was apparently identified as the ideal candidate for the job. Unfortunately, with the Seagulls valuing him at over £100m and refusing to sell this summer, a move never materialized.
Yoro has been outstanding for United this season
Recent reports have suggested that United are considering a move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton in January. But for now, Earle reckons that Amorim could use Yoro in the position.
Speaking on The Two Robbies Podcast, the former Jamaica international suggested that the Frenchman could be an alternative for Baleba in the middle of the park.
“He [Amorim] has got a find a way to close things down. I had a thought, because we’re saying, ‘OK, you need to go and buy one [a midfielder]’, and Baleba was talked about. And again, I’m just chucking this out there, is there anybody else in that group that can help them? Could Leny Yoro play in midfield, as a holding player?” said Earle.
The Premier League giants are well covered at the back at the moment, with Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Ayden Heaven among the available options. Lisandro Martinez is likely to be in the mix as well when he returns from injury, while Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui can also operate in the back three.
However, Yoro has been one of the standout players for Amorim this season, so it is unclear if the Portuguese head coach would entertain the proposal.
Amorim could turn to Sir Alex for inspiration
Earle went on to state that Yoro could be similar to Manchester City’s Rodri in midfield, but acknowledged that the Frenchman would only be a stop gap solution for the position.
“[Yoro is] an athletic midfielder who can see danger, who would track runners, who would understand the role, who can play in midfield. I’m not saying he’s a solution, but he might plug a gap next to Bruno, or if it’s not Bruno, Ugarte, or Mainoo,” said Earle.
“We keep seeing Man United and see players running off them. Leny Yoro would have the understanding, be more interested in running back and following than running forward. Is there somebody Rodri-esque? You’ve got to find a solution.”
Interestingly, Amorim could take a leaf out of Sir Alex Ferguson’s book in this matter. The legendary Scot once deployed Rio Ferdinand in midfield against Wolverhampton Wanderers to address an injury crisis. United went on to win the game 3-0.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
