Man Utd star who’s started three times under Carrick now sent stark warning by Ferdinand amid physicality concerns

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Stretty News

·10 Maret 2026

Man Utd star who’s started three times under Carrick now sent stark warning by Ferdinand amid physicality concerns

Rio Ferdinand hopes to see the Manchester United coaching staff spend some time working on Leny Yoro’s physicality.

As things stand, the young talent is still adjusting to the demands of the Premier League, having spent the best part of his career plying his trade in his native France.

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Yet, it really is a different ball game when you arrive in the English top flight, especially considering Yoro was only 18 years old when he made the switch from Lille.

Ferdinand shares worries over Yoro

After the defender had been called into action more in recent weeks due to the absences of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt, Ferdinand has voiced his concerns over what he’s seen from Yoro.

He said on his podcast ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’: “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.

“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 enjoying increased game time as of late

When all centre-halves are fit, the Frenchman is not a nailed-on starter, which is something he’ll be hoping changes in the coming seasons.

He has, however, started and played the full 90 minutes in each of the Reds’ last three fixtures. These consisted of wins over Everton and Crystal Palace, followed by a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United – the first loss of Carrick’s tenure.

Back when he agreed to make the move to Old Trafford, he had established himself as one of the most coveted players in his position across world football.

The likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain were all firmly in the race, until United swooped in and agreed a £52 million deal to snap up Yoro before anyone else could.