Leny Yoro reveals his reaction to Rio Ferdinand’s podcast message before Manchester United transfer

Leny Yoro has revealed the talks he held with Rio Ferdinand before he signed a five-year deal with Manchester United, rejecting Real Madrid in the process.

After a 2023/24 season in which they conceded over eighty goals across all competitions and finished eighth in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag and his team have been actively seeking centre-back reinforcements.

Manchester United took a bold step by pursuing highly-rated 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro, who was on the verge of joining Real Madrid.

Read More: Erik ten Hag reveals latest on Matthijs de Ligt’s Manchester United transfer chances

On Thursday evening, the club announced that they had successfully convinced Yoro to sign a five-year contract with United until 2029, with an option for an additional year.

Most of the footballing world was convinced United would lose the battle with Madrid for Yoro, considering the youngster’s apparent affection for the La Liga club, so when news broke that United had won the race, it was a full-blown surprise.

During the peak of the battle, Rio Ferdinand, a United legend, publically stated on his podcast a direct message to Yoro, asking him to choose United over Madrid.

“If you’re watching Leny Yoro, please accept Man United,” the former defender pleaded on his podcast during the 2024 European Championships. “Man United, please make the offer and please accept because, with this kid, his ceiling is as high as anybody right now, [William] Saliba included.

“Physically, he’s not as developed [as Saliba], but he’s a different type of centre-half. He’s quick, he tries to nibble and get in front. He can play. He’s tall and mobile.”

And now, following Yoro’s signing, the 18-year-old has confirmed that beyond this public plea, he did, in fact, hold private talks with Ferdinand surrounding his choice, revealing that these talks were part of the reason that he signed for United.

“Let’s say, Rio Ferdinand,” Yoro told club media when asked who his favourite United legend is. “I don’t even know if I can explain this guy, but he’s a top defender, a really good guy because I had the chance to meet him, and yeah, he is a really nice guy, top defender.”

Further, Yoro clarified that he meant he had not met him in person but had spoken to him a number of times during the transfer market before his move to United.

“I just called him, but I hope to meet him soon, but yeah I already spoke with him, he’s a really nice guy. During the transfer market, he helped me a lot to make my choice (to sign for United. He explained to me how big United is, so yeah, it was really good for me.”

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