Two games into a new Premier League calendar, and those familiar knives are already on show regarding Manchester United. However, amongst all of the unnecessary doom, the growing bond between Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro offers ample space for positivity.
An opening-day defeat to Arsenal was followed by a disappointing draw with Fulham, marked by contrasting performances and an inability to profit from the numerous opportunities created.
However, while conversations regarding key individuals or the omission of academy starlets continue to surface, the performances of De Ligt and Yoro have been more than a little encouraging.
Disregarding this jaded division within the social ranks regarding the suitability of Ruben Amorim, due to his insistence on remaining loyal to his tried-and-tested tactical philosophy, everything is not falling apart around the man.
As previously highlighted, a critical cog in this Portuguese platform is a reliable defensive unit, and although some may choose to disregard it, we are witnessing just that.
The importance of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro can not be understated
Truthfully, like any other manager, Amorim’s time in Manchester will be judged on results.
Regardless of personal opinion or affiliations, United are at a critical junction, and a combination of consistent performances must meet regular points.
While Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko attempt to acclimatise to their new surroundings, the defensive line must maintain as much control as possible.
Although goals have been conceded in both Premier League outings, the confidence exuding from a back three of De Ligt, Yoro, and Luke Shaw is reassuring, particularly as the ongoing tactical reconfiguration of a central midfield partnership rages on.
Against Arsenal, the would-be title-contenders were humbled in attack and fortuitous with a frustrating set-piece. Although the team’s performance was less convincing against Fulham, Amorim’s duo returned similarly impressive displays.
| Matthijs de Ligt v Arsenal | Leny Yoro v Arsenal | Matthijs de Ligt v Fulham | Leny Yoro v Fulham | |
| Clearances | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Shots blocked | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Tackles | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Passing accuracy | 49/57 (86%) | 58/64 (91%) | 37/39 (95%) | 38/43 (88%) |
| Dribbled past | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Ground duels (won) | 5 (3) | 5 (1) | 1 (1) | 2 (2) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 10 (6) | 5 (5) | 10 (6) | 3 (2) |
Undeniably, both players have underlined their abilities with defensive metrics befitting their European pedigree.
Given his stellar CV and length of time spent at the highest level of the game, you’d be forgiven for assuming De Ligt was approaching the twilight of his career. However, at 26, the Dutchman is gazing ahead at his peak years, having acclimatised to life in England following an injury-plagued debut campaign.
At 19, Yoro appears to be rewriting the rules as he goes, with a plethora of performances befitting a veteran 10 years his elder.
His transition to the Premier League has been largely straightforward, and his prominence on either end of the field was epitomised at Craven Cottage with a phenomenal last-ditch challenge on Joshua King, before supplying the crucial header for United’s opener.
Notably, both have enjoyed plenty of possession, and their distribution has been a major factor in both outings, with De Ligt averaging 90.5% completion and Yoro behind by a solitary point.
Naturally, the fulcrum of this defensive line relies on a third option to solidify its intricate foundations.
Given the growth we have witnessed, and not disregarding an impressive brace of displays from Shaw, the impending return of Lisandro Martinez offers a tantalising prospect at the heart of this defensive trio.
Amorim’s structure and philosophy, generally speaking, rely on a technically proficient defender to advance the ball, creating a three-player pivot with the midfield to form multiple passing lanes and bypass the opposition press.
Before his devastating season-ending injury, Martinez had embraced these instructions and was among the finest ball-playing options in Europe.
| Premier League 2024-25 | Per 90 minutes | Percentile vs Premier League CBs |
| Passes into penalty area | 0.93 | 98 |
| Through balls | 0.26 | 97 |
| xA: Expected assists | 0.07 | 94 |
| Carries into the penalty area | 0.10 | 91 |
| Total carries | 52.27 | 89 |
| Carries into the final third | 1.18 | 88 |
During times of adversity, it is often difficult to appreciate any green shoots. But if you take a step back and assess the situation, there are clear examples of growing confidence from the back.
Goals indeed win games, and a lack of them will present ample issues.
Still, when a brand-new forward line is attempting to disregard the requirements for transition, an assured defence offers a glimmer of hope for a positive campaign.
In Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, the Old Trafford faithful are fortunate to have two of the finest in the league at their disposal today. Don’t allow frustration to blur their progression in this system.
Let us know your thoughts about our defensive pair in the comments or across our social channels.
Images by mrogowski_photography and operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com
Statistics and figures available via fbref.com and sofascore
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