Rio Ferdinand tells Michael Carrick ‘top drawer’ star must start for Man Utd after Leeds stalemate

Rio Ferdinand singles out Leny Yoro for praise in the wake of Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Leeds United.

Michael Carrick’s side looked on course of a much-needed win when Bryan Mbeumo prodded them into a first-half lead at Elland Road.

A defensive change at the break, which saw Lisandro Martinez replaced by Noussair Mazraoui, contributed contributed to a disjointed display in the second period and it was no surprise when Dominic Calvert-Lewin powered home a deserved equaliser.

Still, Yoro’s composure and determination to match Leeds aerially impressed Ferdinand, especially given he was playing in an unfamiliar right-back role.

It has hardly been plain sailing for Yoro since his move to the club from Lille two years ago as a teenager, but Ferdinand now believes it is time Michael Carrick gives the France international an extended run in the side.

He told Rio Presents: ‘I thought the first half was really solid, really sound, kept the opposition chances to a minimum.

‘I thought Leny Yoro, especially in the first half, defending the back post was top drawer. He looks like he’s growing in confidence and he looks like he just needs a run in the team now.

‘I don’t know what position he’ll make his own first but he will go I just have to be in this team.

‘If he just continues playing the way he is and continues to get games, I don’t care who gets back fit now I think he needs stay in the team, prove his worth.

‘I think every week he looks stronger, I thought in Madrid he looked solid, the game before for France he was outstanding at centre-back and he comes back with a new-found confidence and I think that’s good for Manchester United.

‘The way he defended those crosses at the back post and in those away games you’ve got to have people willing to put their bodies there and I thought today in that sense especially he was top class.’