Lisandro Martinez tips “composed” teammate to be the future of Manchester United

Leny Yoro was finally handed a start at centre-back on Thursday in Manchester United 's 4-0 win over Sabah Baku, with Michael Carrick finally bowing to pressure.

Before that game, throughout pre-season and the opening few fixtures, Yoro had instead been used to fill in at right-back. While he did not quite struggle there, he was not a hit either; in fact, some worried he was approaching the role with a centre-back's instincts and looked uncomfortable.

There were calls , then, for Carrick to try him in his natural position, and against Sabah, he finally did. How right that decision proved to be.

Yoro duly delivered a quality performance. He looked composed from the first minute, comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, confident carrying it forward, and intelligent with his positioning.

He did more than defend; he actively helped the team control the game from the back. His physical side, too, now looks far less fragile, with his movement at the back and his ability to cover the full-back both proving commendable.

There were plenty of positives to take from that Yoro performance, which is why many will resonate with what Lisandro Martinez said afterwards.

Lisandro Martinez backs Leny Yoro to be the "future" of Man United

"Amazing performance from Leny," Martinez said as per Steven Railston .

"He played so well defensively, with the ball, being calm, being composed in every situation, one-vs-one.

"He's the future of this club, honestly. And we have to help him, you know."

Yoro needs to be in the conversation for Man United's central defence

While Yoro is unlikely to start the derby on Sunday, he has certainly given Carrick food for thought over his central-defensive options.

With more opportunities there, and better performances building on the Sabah showing, the Frenchman can gradually establish himself as a key man in United's central defence.