Rio Ferdinand sends clear message to Leny Yoro on how to become unstoppable | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed his biggest worry when it comes to Leny Yoro, as he outlined how the youngster can truly reach his potential.

Increased responsibilities

Yoro is still adapting to Premier League football, having joined United in the summer of 2024 from French outfit Lille.

United warded off stiff competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain to snap up the 20-year-old.

While he has demonstrated signs of his sky-high potential, it remains clear that there is still plenty he needs to improve on before he can be considered the complete article. Inconsistencies have naturally crept into Yoro’s game but his talent remains undeniable.

Over the past few weeks, due to the injury sustained by Lisandro Martinez, Yoro has found himself starting matches alongside Harry Maguire.

The Frenchman has been named in the starting XI for the wins over Everton, Crystal Palace and last week’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ferdinand highlighted Yoro’s weakness as something he needs to address moving forward. Ferdinand also cautioned Yoro to be selective when engaging the league’s most physical forwards, acknowledging that in those duels, he will almost always be up against it.

Ferdinand makes Yoro point

The six-time Premier League winner said, “Leny Yoro, right now, is trying to fight too many fights in a game, when physically he’s not starting at the same place.”

“They’re all much more physically developed.”

“Most of the players he’s playing against, and number nines, especially, are stronger than him.”

Ferdinand added, “So, then you’ve got to pick your battles. Pick your duel. Which one are you actually going to have if you’ve got a 60-40 in your favour?”

“Then you go all in.”

Yoro and United return to action on Sunday when they host Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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