Manchester City’s backline is one department where some may claim that Manchester United are not far off their local rivals.
Manchester City’s defence was vulnerable last season as well and even in their previous 0-0 draw against United, Ruben Amorim and Co threatened their backline on plenty of occasions.
With Abdukodir Khusanov suffering a calf injury and John Stones withdrawing from England duty due to enduring muscle issues, Manchester United could further exploit their defence on Sunday.
Ahead of the blockbuster clash, Rio Ferdinand told the Daily Mail that a certain United centre-back would start for City.
Rio Ferdinand says Man United star Leny Yoro would start for Man City
Rio Ferdinand actually believes four Manchester United players could get into Manchester City’s starting line-up.
One of the names in question is Leny Yoro, according to the retired pundit.
The pundit claimed: “Bruno [Fernandes]. I put Leny Yoro in there. I think he is going to be a standout this year. [Bryan] Mbeumo probably gets in there now. [Matheus] Cunha might have a chance.”
Despite mentioning Yoro and his three Manchester United teammates could start for Manchester City, Rio Ferdinand acknowledged that the Red Devils’ familiar foes still have a superior squad in comparison.
“At the moment City have got a better squad than us, I think that’s a fact. I don’t think many people would argue with that. That’s just the way it is at the moment.”
Leny Yoro’s record against Man City
The £52 million (BBC Sport) man is one of the best young defenders in the Premier League.
Since heading to Old Trafford last season, the former Lille wonderkid has impressed as his reading of the game, composure on the ball and athleticism standing out.
Yoro has played against Manchester City twice so far.
- Manchester City 1 Manchester United 2
- Manchester United 0 Manchester City 0
However, when City lost to United at the Etihad Stadium last year, the Frenchman came off the bench.
Considering Manchester City have experienced centre-backs like Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Stones on their books, perhaps Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand’s claim about Yoro may be viewed as premature.
The best judge of all the pre-match discourse will be the players’ performances themselves when all eyes are on them.
