Leny Yoro statement proves Ineos have solved Man Utd issue, Rio Ferdinand had secret role in transfer deal

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Manchester United have completed the signing of Lille defender Leny Yoro this summer in a huge statement signing made by Ineos.

Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United always looked to be playing second fiddle behind Real Madrid for the signing of exciting teenager Leny Yoro.

However, the Red Devils have pulled the deal off with United confirming a deal to sign Yoro in a statement on Thursday evening.

The signing of Yoro is their second of this summer after United confirmed the addition of Joshua Zirkzee to the club’s ranks for a fee in the region of £34 million.

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

Yoro’s statement shows Ineos means business

When Ineos confirmed the minority purchase of United back in December of 2023, fans were expectant but also cautious having had to suffer through nearly 20 years of the Glazer’s ownership of United.

Since that moment of euphoria, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and his team at Ineos, have got to work making the correct changes behind the scenes to ensure change really would be made.

For the men’s side, Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell have been brought in with former Manchester City CEO Omar Berrada brought in as the club’s new CEO.

These appointments are still in their infancy but already their impact can be felt. Yoro’s statement, following the confirmation of the deal to join United, felt significant in that regard.

“Since my first conversations with the club, they set out a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project, and showed a lot of care for me and my family,” he told Manchester United’s website.

A clear plan is something that the club have struggled with, something that could well have been the reason behind the failed transfers of Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham, in particular.

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

Rio Ferdinand deployed by United to get deal over line

Another aspect that has worked in United’s favour has been the buy in from ex-players to help see the club succeed.

This isn’t something new, particularly since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, but with the correct structure in place, this is a welcome bonus, and it actually works – unlike the Bellingham miss.

The Athletic claims that former United defender Rio Ferdinand was deployed by the club to convince him that Old Trafford was the right place for him.

Ferdinand sent a personal message to Yoro which the club showed him and tricks like this could be a genius ploy by the Red Devils.

Whilst the emotional pull of the club, no doubt parroted by club legend Ferdinand, is important, having a clear and structured plan for potential signings to get behind is vital and it appears United have done this with the signing of Yoro.