Real Madrid players left stunned by decision with Leny Yoro signing for Manchester United

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Manchester United’s biggest coup of the summer is still the deal to bring Leny Yoro to the club from Lille.

The excitement of the Leny Yoro deal was soon punctured by the centre-back suffering an injury in his second pre-season game.

Yoro faces three months out, after undergoing surgery on a fractured metatarsal, a major blow, but the defender will be worth waiting for.

The Frenchman is regarded as the most exciting defensive prospect in European football, with United seeing off serious competition for his signature.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Real Madrid missed out on Leny Yoro

Manchester United beat Real Madrid to sign Leny Yoro, winning the French defender over, while the Spanish side could not match the Red Devils’ offer.

Real have not yet signed another centre-back, and at the weekend saw their highly rated academy prospect Joan Martinez suffered a torn ACL.

According to The Athletic, Real Madrid’s players are ‘surprised by the lack of signings in defence’ ahead of what looks like being another fixture-heavy season.

David Alaba is recovering from a long-term injury, with a lot of pressure on Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger.

Leny Yoro was a signing they had expected to be able to get done, they were heavy favourites, before United shocked everybody by hijacking their move.

• READ MORE: Who Is Leny Yoro? Parents, Social Media, Lille Career, Man Utd Move

Manchester United strengthen defence

Leny Yoro’s initial injury is particularly unfortunate for Manchester United, but he will be back and stronger in the second half of the season, similar to Kobbie Mainoo’s comeback last season.

Yoro is a long term investment for United, and a signing the club simply had to make.

United released Raphael Varane, while Jonny Evans, 36, is a short-term fix. Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are both over 30 and at least one of them will likely leave before the transfer deadline.

Matthijs de Ligt has joined along with Yoro, adding real depth to the club’s backline, and the 25-year-old takes some pressure off Yoro.

United have acted with intent this summer to fix the defence. Real Madrid might regret their own complacency.