Carrick's 4-2-3-1 Switch Will 'Expose' Yoro, Says Parker, as United's Young Talents Eye Their Chance

Michael Carrick's interim appointment at Manchester United could prove problematic for Leny Yoro, according to former Red Devils defender Paul Parker, who has raised serious doubts about the Frenchman's suitability to the tactical system the caretaker boss is expected to implement.

Carrick has taken over from Ruben Amorim on a temporary basis until the end of the season. The former United midfielder is anticipated to ditch Amorim's controversial 3-4-3 formation in favour of a possession-oriented 4-2-3-1 setup, the approach he favoured during his tenure at Middlesbrough.

Whilst such a switch may prove popular with supporters and squad members alike, Parker contends that Yoro will find himself severely disadvantaged without the security of two additional centre-backs alongside him.

"I think Yoro struggles in Carrick's system, I really do," Parker told Metro. "I haven't seen anything yet on a consistent basis. I've seen more consistency from Heaven than what I have from Yoro.

"I think the back five covered him in the wide area. He had that little bit of cover in there. But I've seen him in a four, and once he's exposed, he looks like he's treading water all the time.

"He's not the quickest, not the greatest of athletes. And I just look at what I saw against Brighton, and it's a concern."

Parker identifies Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, and Matthijs De Ligt as the three centre-backs capable of performing consistently in a four-man defence, with De Ligt singled out as a natural leader.

The full-back situation presents an equally troubling picture for Carrick, in Parker's estimation. Luke Shaw, he suggests, lacks the mobility and defensive reliability of his younger years, whilst his tendency to give away fouls reflects a reluctance to cover the ground required. Patrick Dorgu similarly underwhelms, with Parker questioning what the defender genuinely brings to the table across a 90-minute encounter. Diogo Dalot at right-back, meanwhile, has exhausted his usefulness, having been deployed across multiple positions and contributed too many unforced errors.

Yet Carrick's interim spell could yet prove transformative for United's emerging talent. Parker anticipates the new manager will prioritise rebuilding with players possessing greater longevity, creating a genuine platform for younger squad members. Ayden Heaven in defence and Kobbie Mainoo in midfield stand to benefit considerably, with Parker describing the opportunity as "huge" for Mainoo following his diminished role under Amorim's reign.