Leny Yoro to be handed Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic’s shirt number after completing £52m move
Leny Yoro is set to wear Nemanja Vidic’s legendary number 15 jersey after completing his move to Manchester United.
The 18-year-old has completed a £52million move to Old Trafford after signing a five-year deal with the option for a further year.
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Leny Yoro has completed his huge £52million move to Old TraffordCredit: GettyThat move from Lille makes Yoro the fifth most expensive teenager ever, narrowly ahead of the £51m that United paid for a then 19-year-old Anthony Martial in 2015.
The move comes as a major boost after seeing off interest from Real Madrid, with the French starlet hoping to following the footsteps of Vidic.
Having joined Man United in December 2006 for just £7million, Vidic went on to make 300 appearances for the Red Devils winning five Premier Leagues and one Champions League in eight years at the club.
He also formed one of the Premier League’s most formidable partnerships with Rio Ferdinand.
READ MORE ON MAN UNITEDSigning as a relative unknown, Vidic’s story will be a huge inspiration for Yoro who expressed his delight after completing his move on Thursday night.
After completing the move, Yoro told the club’s website: “Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honour. 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.
“I know about the history of young players at Manchester United and feel it can be the perfect place to reach my potential and achieve my ambitions, together with my new teammates. I cannot wait to get started.”
Dan Ashworth, Manchester United sporting director, said: “Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class centre-back. Having had such an excellent start to his career we are excited to support him in reaching his immense potential here at Manchester United.
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Vidic won heaps of trophies during his time at Man UnitedCredit: Getty Images
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Yoro was unveiled on Thursday night in a blockbuster dealCredit: Getty
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Man United have paid the big bucks for the 18-year-old centre-back“This club has a fantastic record of developing young players, whether homegrown or brought in from elsewhere, and giving them the required guidance, time and patience to grow and flourish. Under Erik ten Hag and our excellent staff we will ensure that Leny has the perfect platform to achieve the success that everyone across the club is aiming for.”
Yoro was even greeted by a message from Vidic’s defensive partner, Ferdinand, who said via video: “Leny! Leny! Leny! How you doing bro?
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“Listen, congratulations man. Welcome to Manchester United. I wish you all the best.
“I know you’re going to work hard and that’s the secret man – work hard, work hard – work, work, work on all parts of your game.
“You’ve got all the potential and all the tools – you’ve got everything there and you’re ready to rock and roll and go and make a big impact at this club.
“It’s the best club in the world, it’s a beautiful place to be so go and enjoy yourself man and I’ll see you soon – good luck.”
The signing of Yoro means United are now unlikely to pursue their interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite after having two offers rejected for the £70m-rated England international.
Man United boss Erik ten Hag is on the hunt for a new defender with Raphael Varane leaving earlier in the summer and Harry Maguire in the final year of his contract – although there is an option for the England defender’s deal to be extended by a year.
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Yoro is Ten Hag’s second signing of the summer so farCredit: GettyIt was a tough season defensively for Man United, who conceded 58 Premier League goals last season, which is one more than they scored.
Yoro becomes Manchester United’s second signing of the summer, following the deal to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £36million.
Read More on talkSPORTYoro’s first competitive match could be their Premier League curtain-raiser against Fulham on Friday, August 16 – exclusively live on talkSPORT.
