Leny Yoro has solved a Man United problem nobody expected him to fix, Carrick deserves credit

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has found a surprising solution at right-back in Leny Yoro.

The Red Devils were without Noussair Mazraoui, who picked up a knock ahead of facing Tottenham, and remains a doubt for the upcoming fixtures.

Carrick, though, decided to rest regular right-back feature Diogo Dalot, opting to surprisingly use Yoro in that role instead.

Right-back is a position that is unfamiliar territory for the Frenchman, but his display has offered a new option for the manager.

The Englishman is under pressure to deliver results, particularly after a poor start to the season.

And Yoro may be the type of player who can allow Carrick to pick up those much-needed results in specific game types.

Leny Yoro's numbers vs Tottenham show Michael Carrick's gamble paid off

The trend of centre-backs shifting out wide has been emerging over the last few years, and now it seems like it is Yoro's turn to make the switch.

It can be a tough situation for any player to be moulded into a new role, with Yoro never featuring at right-back before playing under Carrick.

In fact, his appearance against Tottenham was the first time he started in that position in a professional game.

He proved the change did not deter him from producing a strong performance, with Sofascore sharing that he had 12 defensive contributions despite only 59 minutes on the pitch.

Additionally, he won two out of three tackles attempted.

Yoro was also comfortable going forward as well, with him completing 100 per cent of his passes in Spurs' half.

He may not be the most exciting attacking option at fullback, but in games where United are concerned about being counter-attacked, he is a quality option to keep wide and to drop back.

And despite swirling negativity over Carrick, this is at least one thing he should be given credit for.

Yoro may yet change Man United's minds

Yoro's performances over the last few weeks, with both the Red Devils and France, could still change his circumstances.

As Football Insider have previously reported, the Premier League outfit could be prepared to send Yoro out on loan to get more game time.

His start against Tottenham was only his first of the season in the Premier League under Michael Carrick, and his third appearance overall in the 2026-27 league season.

However, with the right-back position now one he can feature in, that could offer another route to minutes for the 20-year-old.