Manchester United are strengthening the first team and aim to do it with a clear focus on youth, making long-term fixes.
Much to the frustration of supporters, Manchester United’s transfer history has been littered with short-term solutions.
New investors Ineos have signed two players so far this summer, the oldest of who is just 23, Joshua Zirkzee.
New centre-back Leny Yoro is just 18, and arrives with high potential. Manchester United convinced Yoro to snub Real Madrid.
Leny Yoro a major coup for Manchester United
The transfer of Leny Yoro, in particular, is generating real excitement, with Ineos making a real statement by landing his signature.
His move to United generated a mixed reaction from the Spanish media, with some playing down the urgency of Real Madrid’s need to sign him.
A new report from AS is far more critical of the missed opportunity, and paints a picture of an elite defender who the Spanish champions have failed to sign.
The headline is titled, ‘Leny Yoro, the Lamine Yamal of Manchester United’s defence’, comparing the French centre-back to Spain and Barcelona’s impressive winger.
The report hails Yoro as a phenomenon, and backs the features words from the coaches who have worked with him, adding: “The analogy with Lamine Yamal is not exaggerated, far from it’, and note ‘Manchester United seem to have made the right choice in signing him.
Data from Yoro’s performances in France is used to back up his performances, while praise from Thierry Henry is also cited.
The outlet adds that Real Madrid could not compete with Manchester United’s offer, adding ‘The Premier League takes the jewel’.
Manchester United move for Yoro is exactly what was needed
2024 was an important transfer window for Manchester United, the first transfer window under Ineos’ direction.
United needed to make a splash, while setting a clear direction and tone for the future. Chasing big names is not the answer, this is what United have done for the last 10 years.
The best way to conduct business is to sign elite talents from around Europe, while paying sensible fees.
Some may question the £52 million on Yoro considering he only had one year left on his deal at Lille, yet this fee will look like a bargain in the years to come.
The 18-year-old could be a fixture at United for the next decade, like Raphael Varane was for Real Madrid when he signed for them at the same age.
Ineos have flipped the script, and perhaps we allow Yoro to join Real in 10 years time when he has won the lot at Old Trafford.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
