Manchester United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, has been advised to experiment with an unconventional tactical shift this season, transforming one of his existing centre-backs into a defensive midfielder to “plug a gap” in their current squad.
The Red Devils were particularly active in the summer transfer market, with a significant £200 million investment made by INEOS to bolster the team’s attacking capabilities. New additions like Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo were brought in to help reverse their fortunes and ensure they are not once again amongst the Premier League’s lowest-scoring sides.
Besides deploying fresh offensive talent, Man Utd secured Paraguayan prodigy Diego Leon and Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens to strengthen their squad further. Yet, the transfer window closed with a conspicuous void in the defensive midfield area, despite interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, which proved financially unviable at this juncture. A possible record-breaking deal remains on the cards for 2026.
Former Wimbledon player Robbie Earle has weighed in, suggesting on The Two Robbies Podcast that centre-back Leny Yoro could be reshaped into a holding midfielder. Earle expressed his thoughts: “Amorim needs to manage the defensive side better. While Baleba was a name discussed, they might need to look within. Can Leny Yoro step into the midfield and perform as a holding player?”
With defensive options like Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven, and Lisandro Martinez, Earle considers that Yoro could temporarily “plug a gap” in the midfield, even if not a long-term solution.
He continued: “Yoro is athletic, possesses a keen sense of danger, and could adapt to the requirements of a midfield role, working alongside the likes of Bruno, Ugarte, or Mainoo. He could be focused more on defensive responsibilities, anchoring the side in a role akin to the influential Rodri.”
Following a recent setback against Grimsby Town in the League Cup, Yoro reflected on their rocky opening to the campaign on Sky Sports. He commented: “It’s been tough for everyone, but we’re moving forward with our focus now on the upcoming Burnley match. We’re ready to pick ourselves up.”
The jury remains out on whether Amorim will take Earle’s advice, but the notion of a ‘Rodri-esque’ solution within their current ranks certainly offers an intriguing prospect for Manchester United’s evolving tactical blueprint.