-
Erik ten Hag explains why Man Utd signed Leny Yoro
Erik ten Hag has stated that Leny Yoro’s mindset and maturity were key factors in Manchester United’s decision to recruit the teenager this summer.
Yoro, 18, joined United in a move worth up to £58.9 million earlier this summer, but sustained a foot injury in pre-season that required surgery and is anticipated to keep him out for the next three months.
Following his surgery, Yoro sent a positive message to fans on social media, and Ten Hag admitted the brief statement demonstrated why United was so eager to sign the centre-back.
“He already expresses one of the reasons why we signed him,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports. “Very mature, great personality, dealing with it, looking forward, being brave and positive.”
“Fire is burning there. For his age, he’s already very mature, very in balance. You don’t get him distracted. He knows what he wants. He knows where he wants to go. I’m sure he’ll return as soon as possible and then he will support the team and help the team to win games and trophies.
“You need heart and you need head. In football, both are very important. You need both things right to form a team. In any team, you need different skillsets, but personality, character and mentality are very important to construct a winning team.”
Yoro, who will wear the number 15 shirt next season, is not anticipated to return to play until October.
It was subsequently discovered that United sought to hide the seriousness of Yoro’s injury while looking for a replacement centre-back, a transfer plan that was in place even before Yoro was forced to sit out.
United are interested in signing Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, but are concerned that the Bundesliga club may want a greater cost from a squad that may suddenly be viewed as frantic to cover Yoro’s vacancy.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is also a known target, but the club’s £70 million asking price is a huge stumbling obstruction.