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Leny Yoro has expressed his gratitude after signing for Manchester United with a social media post that will excite the Old Trafford faithful fans. Europe's most coveted teenage defensive prospect has put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Premier League giants.
Yoro, 18, posed for snaps at United's illustrious Theatre of Dreams while signing his contract. The French centre-back posted a selection of snaps on his X (formerly Twitter) account:
"So proud to join this legendary club. Can't wait to meet our incredible fans and discover the iconic Old Trafford! Go (Manchester United)."
Manchester United pulled off a major coup by luring Yoro to Old Trafford without UEFA Champions League football. Real Madrid were the frontrunners to sign the France U23 international, and the La Liga giants were his initial preference, per The Athletic. Liverpool and PSG were also keeping tabs on one of French football's rising stars.
However, Madrid was unwilling to match United's reported €62 million (£52.2 million) plus €8 million in add-ons offer to LOSC Lille. He opted to join Erik ten Hag's side, where he's expected to become an immediate starter next season.
Yoro has already trained with his new teammates and could be available for their next pre-season friendly. Ten Hag's side face Scottish Premiership heavyweights Rangers tomorrow (July 20).
"It's too early" - Emmanuel Petit urged patience with Manchester United new signing Leny Yoro
Leny Yoro's meteoric rise at Lille didn't go unnoticed in Europe, as he shined as a regular starter at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium last season. He appeared 44 times across competitions, helping his side keep 10 clean sheets. He chipped in with three goals.
The highly-rated teenage defender's height (6 ft 2 in), grace on the ball, and ball-playing abilities have earned him major plaudits. He's being compared to former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, whom he's replaced at Old Trafford.
Emmanuel Petit highlighted the comparison when speaking about Yoro earlier this year. His assessment suggested that he felt the new Red Devils star shouldn't be trusted into an important starting role at a club of United's stature (via DAZN):
"I know Leny Yoro well, I watch him in France, and he’s been nicknamed the next Raphael Varane. He was 16 when he started with the Lille first team... and all of a sudden his life changed."
The French icon added:
"The manager said he needed someone to repeat his age as he always was shocked at [how] young he is. In the space of two years, he’s been an absolute rock in defence. Let Yoro improve step by step, right now it’s too early.
Petit used Arsenal's William Saliba as an example of a young French defender who has excelled because they were given time. He spent spells on loan at Marseille and St-Etienne after joining the Gunners:
"Saliba was [the] perfect example, he was at Arsenal early on but spent three years on loan before cementing his name in Arsenal’s XI. The season Saliba did with Marseille changed everything and now he’s one of the best defenders in the world."
Manchester United haven't got the XI to wait on Yoro to progress with time out on loan. He was excellent for Lille last season and showed maturity beyond his years, which bodes well for Ten Hag.
