Manchester United's new interim manager Michael Carrick has been warned that the club's £52million defender Leny Yoro could "struggle" under his leadership.
Parker's Stark Warning Over Yoro's Weaknesses
Former United full-back Paul Parker has expressed serious doubts about the French centre-back's suitability for Carrick's expected tactical approach. The 44-year-old interim boss, who took over after Ruben Amorim's sacking and will lead the team until the summer, is anticipated to move away from a 3-4-3 formation.
Carrick, who previously had a brief interim spell at Old Trafford in late 2021, is likely to implement a possession-heavy 4-2-3-1 system similar to the one he used during his three-year tenure at Middlesbrough. While this may please some fans, Parker believes it will expose flaws in certain players, notably Yoro.
"I think Yoro struggles in Carrick's system, I really do," Parker told Metro. "I haven't seen anything yet on a consistent basis." He argued that the security of a back five under Amorim masked Yoro's deficiencies, particularly his lack of pace and athleticism. "Once he's exposed, he looks like he's treading water all the time," Parker added, referencing a concerning performance against Brighton.
Defensive Concerns Extend Beyond Centre-Back
Parker's apprehensions are not limited to Yoro. He also questioned the suitability of United's current full-back options for Carrick's demanding, front-footed style.
He suggested Luke Shaw has lost agility and defensive prowess, while summer signing Patrick Dorgu "just doesn't do enough" over 90 minutes. Regarding Diogo Dalot, Parker bluntly stated: "I think it's just done its time, to be perfectly honest."
In Parker's view, United only have three capable central defenders for a back four: the promising Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, and the natural leader Matthijs de Ligt.
Carrick's Interim Reign: A Fresh Start for Some
Despite the warnings, Parker is optimistic that Carrick's arrival could revitalise the careers of some younger squad members who were marginalised under Amorim.
"I'd like to think that he'll come in there and he'll be looking at Manchester United and say they've got to rebuild," Parker said. He highlighted Heaven and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as players with "longevity" who could earn more respect and opportunities.
Mainoo, who has yet to start a Premier League game this season, could finally find a role in Carrick's preferred double pivot, offering the controlling presence United have lacked. This tactical shift could also liberate Bruno Fernandes, restoring him to a more advanced position where he historically thrived during Carrick's time as a coach at the club.
Carrick's immediate in-tray also includes solving the inconsistencies of striker Benjamin Sesko and formally abandoning the unpopular 3-4-3 system. His first test comes this Saturday as United host arch-rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.
