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Rio Ferdinand says Man United star is picking ‘too many fights’ as he sends message of advice
Mar 10 2026 16:12 · By onefootball.com · 33 Reads
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has offered advice to young centre-back Lenny Yoro, urging him to be more selective in his on-field challenges due to physical limitations against Premier League opponents.
Yoro, 20, has seen increased game time in recent weeks, starting the last three matches under Michael Carrick and making 27 appearances this season, nearing last year's total of 32.
However, Ferdinand believes the youngster is not yet physically dominant enough to consistently dominate opposition players.
Speaking on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents , he stated: "Leny Yoro right now is trying to fight too many fights in a game, when physically he’s not starting at the same place. They’re all much more physically developed.
“Most of the players he’s playing against and number nines especially are stronger than him. So, then you’ve got to pick your battles. Pick your duel. Which one are you actually going to have if you’ve got a 60-40 in your favour? Then you go all in."
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Ferdinand believes Yoro is not yet strong enough to dominate his opponents (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)
Yoro’s recent opportunities have come amidst the prolonged absence of Lisandro Martinez, who has been sidelined since early February with a calf injury.
The Argentina international has only featured 15 times this season, having previously endured a nine-month recovery from an ACL injury.
Martinez recently revealed the profound impact of support from international teammates Alexis Mac Allister, the Liverpool midfielder, and Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, during his rehabilitation, admitting he considered retirement.
He told South American television channel DSports: "It was one of the toughest situations. I needed everyone’s help; without them, it wouldn’t have been easy. You have to start from scratch again.
“Dibu (Martinez) and Mac Allister showed up at my house to support me. That shows what we are like in the national team, how we look out for each other.
“Dibu sent me a message. He said, ‘I’m coming to your house’, and when he arrived he said: "Mac Allister is coming too. It was a really nice moment."