Manchester United’s reason for choosing Leny Yoro over Matthijs de Ligt

Liverpool fans have taken a particular interest in Manchester United’s recruitment strategy this summer, with the two English giants in mutual pursuit of young centre-backs with European pedigree.

The Red Devils finally struck first on Thursday afternoon, locking in defender Leny Yoro from LOSC Lille for a mammoth €62 million move that could potentially come at the expense of regular Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich.

United sporting director Dan Ashworth provided insight into the club’s decision-making in a statement confirming Yoro’s signing on Thursday. “Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; possesses all the necessary attributes to become a top centre-back. With such an excellent start to his career, we are delighted to support him in reaching his huge potential here at Manchester United.”

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“This club has a fantastic track record of developing young players, whether they are of local origin or brought in from elsewhere, and giving them the guidance, time and patience they need to grow and flourish. Under Erik ten Hag and our excellent staff, we will ensure that Leny has the perfect platform to achieve the success that everyone at the club is looking for.”

The 18-year-old arrives in Manchester after finishing his first season as a regular at Lille, making 32 appearances in a sweeper role for Ligue 1’s third-placed defence. Often featured as the last line of defense for Les Dogues , Yoro proved an unremarkable defender statistically, but developed a reputation as one of Europe’s elite centre-back talents and a sure-fire decision-maker from the back – Yoro completed 92.1% of his passes. last season, ranking in the 93rd percentile for players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues.

Liverpool initially pursued the young Frenchman but opted to focus their efforts elsewhere after believing Real Madrid were in control of the draw, according to the Daily Mirror. Los Blancos eventually resisted Lille’s high price after LFC pulled away, however, opening the door for Manchester United to make largely unchallenged inroads on the player.

“To sign for a club of Manchester United’s stature and ambition so early in my career is an incredible honour,” Yoro said, speaking to Manchester United’s official website. “From my first conversations with the club, they have set out a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project and have shown a lot of care for me and my family.”

Yoro’s signing complicates United’s pursuit of de Ligt, who was seen as “locked and loaded” by GIVEMESPORT just two days earlier. The Red Devils have the opportunity to secure the Dutch centre-back, who started 27 games for Bayern in 2022-23 before being limited by injury last season, for a relative £42million deal, but also watch Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. and look to make additional marks in midfield.

Much to the chagrin of Liverpool fans, meanwhile, the transfer buzz around Merseyside has been reduced to whispered, unsubstantiated murmurs about Euro hero Marc Guehi.