Bruno Fernandes played a huge role in all three of Manchester United’s goals against Ipswich Town.
Ruben Amorim picked up a much-needed three points at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening with a dramatic 3-2 win over Ipswich Town.
Manchester United were made to fight hard for the win, especially after Patrick Dorgu’s red card on the brink of half-time.
But United’s huge improvement in set pieces proved to be the difference with Bruno Fernandes setting up all three goals – the first an own-goal from Sam Morsy followed by goals from Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt.
After regaining the lead, Amorim uncomfortably played a low block and United were able to fend off Ipswich for the final 25 minutes. While Fernandes was superb, Leny Yoro also enjoyed perhaps his best game since joining in the summer.
Leny Yoro was near flawless for Man United vs Ipswich Town
With Lisandro Martinez out injured and Noussair Mazraoui carrying a slight knock, Amorim handed Yoro a new position on the left side of a back three.
Before the Ipswich match, Yoro volunteered to play on the left, insisting that he enjoyed playing that position despite being right-footed.
That is exactly what Amorim will be looking for in his players, and Yoro may have just found the solution to Martinez’s long-term absence as he shined on the left.
Here are a collection of Yoro’s match stats against Ipswich that prove he made a huge impact.
| Minutes Played | 89 |
| Touches | 69 |
| Passes Completed | 95% (55/58) |
| Dribbles Completed | 100% (1/1) |
| Tackles Completed | 100% (1/1) |
| Duels won | 60% (3/5) |
| Clearances | 6 |
Yoro only lost possession three times during his 89 minute display which allowed United to take control of possession – something Amorim wants more from his players.
He was also not afraid to burst forward and join the attack, and there was one moment in the second half where Yoro carved a chance from nothing after beating his opponent with a wonderful bit of skill near the corner flag.
Leny Yoro just made Ruben Amorim’s mind up
While Maguire and De Ligt were also impressive against Ipswich – and etched their name on the scoresheet – Amorim admitted that they both prefer to play in a deeper defence.
Yoro has the athleticism and pace to play in a high line, which makes him a perfect centre-back to thrive in Amorim’s system.
Amorim has also been experimenting with multiple defenders on the left of his back three following Martinez’s injury. Noussair Mazraoui and De Ligt have played there in recent weeks but Yoro outshined them both in the role.
The 19-year-old can now expect to regularly start on the left of defence, which will also allow him to build up a relationship with Patrick Dorgu (once he returns from suspension).
Paul Scholes has backed Yoro to be a key player for United, and the young defender certainly seems to be growing in confidence since his summer move.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
