Manchester United duo taking additional training sessions to try and break into Michael Carrick's starting XI

Manchester United duo Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven have been spotted taking part in additional coaching sessions as they look to break into the starting line up under Michael Carrick.

Yoro, 20, and Heaven, 19, have both struggled for playing time since United sacked Ruben Amorim, with their recent change of formation reducing the number of centre-back roles on the pitch. Carrick has started all five of his matches in charge with a defensive partnership of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, and it has worked wonders with four wins and one draw so far.

Carrick is well aware of the huge talent he has in reserve at the club, but also knows it will be difficult to share the playing time in defence during the final matches of the season. The defensive duo are not using that as an excuse, though, and have been pictured taking part in additional training sessions in Dubai ahead of their return to Carrington on Wednesday morning.

Manchester United duo taking extra training sessions

Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are taking part in additional training sessions in Dubai as they look to force their way into Michael Carrick’s starting line up for the remainder of the season. The pair have fallen down the pecking order in recent weeks, but have both impressed when they have been handed limited opportunities this campaign.

Yoro has yet to start a league match since Ruben Amorim was sacked last month and was an unused substitute for wins over Man City, Arsenal and Tottenham. The French defender featured from the bench in the recent draw with West Ham and made an excellent contribution with two vital blocks that gave United a platform to go and secure a point. He has made 24 appearances across all competitions this season.

Heaven started under Darren Fletcher when United drew with Burnley last month, but has made just one cameo appearance under Carrick when he featured in the dying moments of their win over Man City. He has made 12 appearances across all competitions this season, and also featured for the U21s in the National League Cup.

United are back in training when they return to Carrington on Wednesday morning as they gear up to face Everton in the Premier League on Monday 23 February.

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