How Ratcliffe ambition has helped Man Utd blow past Real Madrid in Yoro transfer

Suraj Radia

18 Jul 2024 20:00 BST
3 min read

It has been a long time since Manchester United have outplayed their rivals in the transfer market but the signing of Leny Yoro showcases the ambition and execution that has been sorely missed at Old Trafford.

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Yoro has signed for United for €70 million from Lille, leaving the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain stunned and on the verge of being gazumped for a key target.

The 18-year-old had been holding out for a move to Real, however the Spanish side stalled on meeting Lille’s asking price – and their hesitation allowed United to swoop in with an aggressive approach.

Although Yoro was initially hesitant to agree personal terms over a move to United, it is understood that he warmed to the idea and the club’s determination to get their man will undoubtedly have helped their case.

Having been seen as the player’s priority for a number of months, Real’s presence in the race for Yoro prompted teams such as PSG and Liverpool to avoid a lengthy pursuit, seemingly giving the Champions League winners a free run at the Frenchman.

However, United refused to back down were rewarded for their persistence and ambition, all while quickly conducting a deal to get their man and blow Real out of the water in the process.

© IMAGO - Leny Yoro looks set for a stunning move to Manchester United.

United continue to progress after Yoro breakthrough

United’s approach this summer will feel like a breath of fresh air to supporters who have too often seen the club conduct drawn-out transfer sagas for unrealistic and overpriced targets.

The window was perhaps initially heading that way, with United initially heavily pursuing Jarrad Branthwaite, only to have multiple offers fall well short of Everton’s valuation.

STATS

Leny Yoro

D (C)

Lille

Leny Yoro

D (C)

Lille

44

Games
3

Goals
0

Assists

And, while United still are hoping to sign Branthwaite or Matthijs de Ligt in addition to Yoro, a conscious effort was made to target multiple players and draw a line if the prices felt excessive.

Having already overcome Milan to the signing of Joshua Zirkzee, United will look to sign more players such as a midfielder, while also aiming to cash in on the likes of Casemiro and potentially Harry Maguire.

A competent summer of shifting high-earners off the books and beating top clubs to the signings of young talent, all without European football, would be the perfect start to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ tenure at United.

The arrival of Yoro has enhanced the mood and outlook of the club, leaving Real Madrid cursing their approach and giving United a platform for optimism going forward.