Double deal and star exit could complete Man Utd centre-back options, it’s the right move

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Manchester United are set to sign French defender Leny Yoro. He may not be the only centre-back signing.

Manchester United have struck a deal to sign Leny Yoro from Lille, and as exciting as it is – he alone may not be enough.

While Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez could strike up an exciting partnership, we saw last season how injuries can really test the Manchester United squad.

Aside from Yoro and Martinez, alternate options Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are all over the age of 30.

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

De Ligt needed

The move for Leny Yoro brings down the average age of the Manchester United centre-back room. But there is still work to do.

A move for Matthijs de Ligt may still be in play, with the Netherlands defender keen on a move to Manchester United.

De Ligt is still only 24, and was predicted by Erik ten Hag to become the best centre-back in the world when they worked together at Ajax.

Lisandro Martinez must be utilised sensibly, United can’t overplay him, and it is essential to bring in a new face with experience.

Yoro, 18, has already played more than 60 senior games for Lille, but United will want to manage his minutes carefully too, and not risk overplaying him, when he is viewed as a very long-term fix for the position.

This is where De Ligt will come in very handy. He already has masses of experience, winning leagues in three different countries, and Yoro will be able to learn from him.

• READ: The shaping of Matthijs De Ligt, the Golden Boy winner who had to play down Franz Beckenbauer comparisons

Time for Victor Lindelof to leave

The most expendable figure in Manchester United’s centre-back department is Sweden international captain Victor Lindelof.

Lindelof is at best fourth choice, and is now entering his eighth season at Manchester United.

Last season he missed time with injuries, starting only 14 Premier League games despite Martinez also missing time himself.

United could fetch a decent fee for Lindelof while he has just one year left on his deal. It makes too much sense to cash in.

Sign De Ligt, and sell Lindelof, to add to Yoro, Martinez, Maguire and Evans, and United look well stocked for 2024/25.