Carrick stunned by 20yo Man Utd star who made 11 defensive contributions vs Aston Villa

Manchester United secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.

Bruno Fernandes stole the limelight at Old Trafford yet again with two assists.

Casemiro headed United home in the first half before Ross Barkley equalised for Aston Villa.

Ruthless finishing from Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko helped the hosts claim three important points.

While Fernandes and the three goalscorers will grab the headlines for all the right reasons, United head coach Michael Carrick was quick to highlight the outstanding contribution of young defender Leny Yoro.

Yoro partnered Harry Maguire in central defence and delivered an authoritative performance throughout the contest.

Carrick said after the game (via Man Utd.com): “I think he’s still so young as well and he’s a centre back playing at that age in the league, at a club like this, it takes a lot of understanding, composure, being able to cope.

“And I think his personality and his character, he takes it in his stride and I’ve been really impressed with him.”

Yoro produced a crucial defensive intervention just before half-time to deny Ollie Watkins what looked like a clear scoring opportunity.

Barkley surged forward with intent before threading a clever pass through to Watkins inside the penalty area.

The centre-forward looked ready to unleash a strike and test goalkeeper Senne Lammens but Yoro timed his sliding challenge perfectly to snuff out the danger.

At just 20 years old, the French defender continues to show remarkable maturity, and Carrick believes his development is only just beginning.

The head coach added: “There’s loads and loads to come and layers more to come from him, but I think that will happen naturally over a period of time when he learns and he’s experienced.

“He is training well and he’s a pleasure to have, he’s desperate to learn, and he does a lot of work with Jonny and Woody [Jonathan Woodgate] and a bit of extra, so he’s keen and always wants more, which is a good sign.”

Yoro made 11 defensive contributions while misplacing only five of his 47 attempted passes.

He made five clearances and three interceptions, ensuring that the Villa attackers remained at bay throughout the contest.

Time and again, he denied space to the opposition striker, even following him deep to ensure he could not turn freely.

The French youth international has seized his opportunity brilliantly since Lisandro Martinez suffered a calf injury last month.

Martinez will return to the squad for the trip to Bournemouth but we expect Carrick to start Yoro and show his unwavering faith in the generational talent.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .