Rio Ferdinand helped Man Utd sign Leny Yoro. (Image: MANCHESTER UNITED)
Manchester United have released a heart-warming message sent to Leny Yoro by Rio Ferdinand after the Lille defender completed his £52million transfer on Thursday. And Ferdinand was reportedly among those who played a significant role in convincing Yoro to accept a move to Old Trafford amid interest from Real Madrid.
The 18-year-old was widely expected to join Real this summer or wait for his Lille contract to expire and move in 12 months.
Liverpool were also reportedly in the running, another club that could offer Champions League football, but United made a surprise breakthrough this week.
The Red Devils moved quickly to reach an agreement with Lille before they had been given the green light from Yoro, leaving some persuading left to do.
According to The Athletic, new chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox and director of player negotiations Matt Hargreaves were crucial for his eventual capture.
Berrada is said to have become obsessed with luring Yoro to Old Trafford as an early statement signing just days after he arrived from Manchester City.
Meanwhile, it's claimed that Wilcox flew over to France to meet the teenage sensation, considered one of the world's most exciting young talents, and lay down United's vision for his development.
Leny Yoro has completed a £52m move to Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
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But the report adds that United also called on Ferdinand, one of the club's greatest-ever defenders, to support their efforts in convincing Yoro to join.
And after confirming the signing on Thursday evening, the M16 giants released footage of a video message that Ferdinand had sent to congratulate him on his transfer.
"Leny! Leny! Leny! How are you doing, bro? Listen, congratulations. Welcome to Manchester United, man. I wish you all the best," Ferdinand said as Yoro smiled.
"I know you're going to work hard, and that's the secret, man. Work hard, work hard, work, work, work, work on all the parts of your game.
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"You've got all the potential, you've got all the tools, man, you've got everything there, ready to rock and roll to make a big impact at this club.
"It's the best club in the world, it's a beautiful place to be. Go and enjoy yourself, man, alright? I'll see you soon, and let's go! Let's go! Leny! Leny! Leny! Leny!"
Yoro is United's second signing of the summer after Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee sealed a £36.5m switch last Sunday.
