Ferdinand: Yoro and Lukesha were very adaptable, and their performance improved significantly also supported the offense

August 19th news Manchester United lost to Arsenal 0-1 in the first game of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Although the results of the game were not satisfactory, the team's performance still gave fans hope. New players Cunya and Mbemo performed well in their debut, but club legend Rio Ferdinand praised defenders Luke Shaw and Yoro in particular.

Ferdinand said in the "Leo Ferdinand Presentation" program: "It's natural for everyone to talk about forwards, but I think there's a solid foundation behind a good offense. Yoro and Luke Shaw looked very adaptable, and their performance improved significantly. They looked healthier, stronger, and calmer when defending. This laid the foundation for our offense and also supported forwards who we expect to see more stable output."

Xiao started as the left central defender in this game, completing three steals and one interception, and winning three of five ground scrambles and all air scrambles. Yoro also performed well in the right center position, with six clearances and four interceptions (the highest in the team). He also won all five air scrambles, but won only once in five ground scrambles.

Shaw and Yoro's ability in defensive wing space is crucial to head coach Amorin's 3-4-2-1 tactical system, which allows the wingback to step forward and provide Manchester United with more numerical advantages in the offense. If the two can overcome the physical problems that plagued them last season, they could be Amorin's regular starter this season.

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