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Leny Yoro choosing Manchester United over Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 was seen as a major transfer coup.

Almost everybody expected Los Blancos to land the Frenchman, given that very few clubs manage to beat Real Madrid in the market.

But the Red Devils ultimately came out on top in the battle for the highly rated French centre-back.

During his time at Lille, he impressed with the ball at his feet and showed an ability to dictate matches from deep. He also demonstrated strong game awareness, identifying danger early and making vital interceptions.

Even with those standout qualities, Yoro was still a raw talent in need of development. He was never likely to make an immediate impact, but United regarded the £52 million outlay as an investment that would pay dividends in time.

Two years later, though, Yoro is still nowhere close to establishing himself in an important role in United’s central defence.

What is surprising is that, despite having two dependable right-backs in Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, Michael Carrick has preferred to use Yoro in that position instead.

And even when he has featured on the right, his minutes have remained frustratingly sparse: zero minutes against Hull City, 16 against Ipswich, and six against Everton.

If Yoro is to show what he is worth at United, he needs more time on the pitch. The ability is clearly there, but meaningful chances have been difficult to find.

United’s defence has also fallen short of the required standard, and there have been calls for Carrick to reconsider his setup, with questions being asked about a back four of Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw.

The Red Devils need something to change in the heart of their defence, because they have struggled to keep clean sheets and continue to concede goals too easily.

Carrick should be brave with his selection decisions. The time has come for him to show faith in Yoro there, and in Ayden Heaven as well.

Yoro has not suddenly turned into a poor player; he is still the gifted young defender United brought in. The issue is simply about helping him unlock his full potential.

Just look at Barcelona: their belief in Pau Cubarsí means they continue to play him even though he still has a great deal to learn. Most importantly, that trust allows him to perform with confidence and show that he can rise above expectations.

Of course, Yoro will make mistakes, but Carrick should allow that process to happen and let him learn from them as he develops into the top-class defender many expected him to become.

With that in mind, it would be baffling if Maguire were to start ahead of Yoro in central defence against Sabah Baku.

If Carrick does start Yoro in central defence in that match, he will hand the young defender an opportunity to prove himself in his natural role.

Chances like that, even if they come only from time to time, should help him grow in confidence in central defence and gradually strengthen his case for a major role there.