Diogo Dalot and Leny Yoro both lead the Premier League in different areas to give Michael Carrick alternate options

Manchester United boss Diogo Dalot and Leny Yoro are both giving Michael Carrick options defensively.

There has been a lot said about Manchester United’s defence, with Ineos not signing a player for the backline in any of the past two summer transfer windows.

United have also been dealing with injuries. Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui, Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu each have missed games, while Matthijs de Ligt is yet to play this season.

Two players who are regulars are Diogo Dalot and Leny Yoro. Both players have started Premier League games at right-back this season, while Yoro has also played at centre-back and Dalot has helped out at left-back.

Diogo Dalot has most key passes for a defender

• Diogo Dalot:

  14

• Neco Williams:

  10

• Olivier Boscagli:

  10

Diogo Dalot has created the most chances of any defender in the Premier League this season, with 14 in total. Unfortunately he has no assists so far this campaign.

Dalot created three chances in the 1-1 draw at Leeds, and balanced this out with 12 defensive contributions, the highest of any player on the pitch.

Leny Yoro leads the league for interceptions

Leny Yoro leads the Premier League for all players for interceptions per game. The Frenchman’s statistics are 4.7 interceptions per appearance.

• Leny Yoro:

  4.7 per game

• Matteo Ruggeri:

  4.0

• Axel Disasi:

  3.9

Yoro’s growth is illustration that he is adapting to the competitive nature of the Premier League, and becoming a reliable pick for Michael Carrick.

Signed in 2025 from Lille, Yoro is the biggest investment made in the defence under Ineos, and Michael Carrick has done a good job of finding game time for him this season.

Yoro’s adaptability to fill in at full-back has been useful amid injury issues, and while neither he nor Dalot can claim to have been perfect this season, there is reason to be positive about their contributions.