So far so good for Manchester United in the transfer window! Things are moving a lot quicker than fans would have expected as United began the window with not even their executive structure in place, let alone targets.
Since then, not only has the structure been put in place, but the transfer targets have been worked on and two are already close to completion.
United are clearly working on multiple deals at the same time this window and a measure of that can be seen in the recent report which it said that United have had an offer accepted for Leny Yoro.
This comes less than a day after their second, improved offer for Jarrad Branthwaite got rejected while the Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt transfer deals moved forward.
However, there is a huge pitfall in the Yoro transfer which United need to avoid otherwise they risk getting embarrassed like the Glazers did in one of United’s most infamous transfer chases.
A deja vu feeling in Leny Yoro transfer deal
United’s bid for Yoro getting accepted is certainly cause for celebration because it shows a proactiveness from the club not seen often.
Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid are also interested but it look like United are the first ones to get an offer for the player accepted. However, that is where the alarm bells should ring.
Heavy interest from European elites for a defensive jewel is no surprise but Yoro’s preference should bring back a feeling of deja vu for United.
The Lille man reportedly prefers joining Real Madrid, to the extent that he there have been reports mentioning he would wait for a year before joining Los Blancos on a free transfer.
It brings back memories of a player for whom United had a bid accepted after spending the whole summer chasing him, only to realise he doesn’t even want to join.
Frenkie de Jong‘s transfer saga will go down in United’s history books as one of the most embarrassing moments as far as transfer stories go. Nobody even bothering to gauge De Jong’s interest, or having extreme confidence in being able to change his mind before getting the bid accepted was a rollercoaster ride.
It led to United panicking in the dying embers of the window, spending £60 million on Casemiro, a player they are looking to wash their hands off already.
While De Jong continually insisted he doesn’t want to leave Barcelona, Yoro’s insistence is one United are already familiar with. Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Real Madrid became a matter of when, and not if, under Sir Alex Ferguson.
If even the greatest manager of all time felt powerless and could only delay Madrid’s attempt, then should they really go all-in for Yoro?
Overall picture is much more rosey
Having talked about the feeling of doom surrounding this deal, it is worth stepping back and looking at the whole picture and how it differs from that summer of 2022.
Now, United are already in negotiations with two other center-backs while the window is open for a while yet. If they fail to convince Yoro, they’ll be in a secure position with the knowledge that they have options open and time to pivot.
Moreover, where the Glazers failed, Sir Jim Ratcliffe might succeed. United finally have a sellable project to potential signings under ambitious owners with a plan for success.
Yoro will turn 19 in November so even if United can convince him to spend the next four to five years at Old Trafford, he will have ample time to eventually move to Real Madrid as a more polished and ready player, like Kylian Mbappe did.
For now, the bid might have been accepted, but unlike most transfer deals, that is the easiest part of this one!
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
