With efforts to sign Matthijs de Ligt hitting a wall, Crickex Sign Up reports that Manchester United wasted no time moving in another direction. In a move that stunned many, the Premier League giants snapped up 18-year-old wonderkid Leny Yoro—previously linked with Real Madrid. The speed and decisiveness of the transfer took everyone by surprise, breaking away from United’s usual drawn-out approach to signings.
Crickex Sign Up sources confirm that Manchester United outbid top European contenders including Real Madrid, PSG, and Chelsea to land the Lille defender. Offering €50 million plus performance-based bonuses, the Red Devils convinced Lille to part ways with one of Europe’s most promising center backs. Madrid had reportedly bid just €30 million, while PSG’s offer stood at €45 million—meaning United paid a premium. But compared to past overspending, this deal feels relatively reasonable, closely matching Yoro’s market value.
More importantly, this transfer shows real progress. While United still relied on financial power, they avoided the kind of reckless overpaying that marked the club’s past. The shift in strategy is evident since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and a new team of football operations experts. With smarter transfer policy now in play, the dreaded “United Tax” seems to be a thing of the past. After years of criticism, fans finally see a version of the club that aligns with their hopes: calculated, ambitious, and forward-thinking.
For Yoro, Real Madrid may have been his dream destination—several reports suggested he was holding out for the Spanish giants. However, United’s long-term plan and the promise of immediate playing time at Old Trafford proved persuasive. While Madrid remain reigning La Liga and Champions League champions, the pressure to perform at such a club is enormous. At United, Yoro will have a lower-stress environment, ample minutes, and a key developmental role—advantages that could pay dividends.
At only 18, Yoro is still years away from his peak. Even if he uses United as a stepping stone, he’d still be only 22 or 23 by the time another major move comes around. And if things go well, he could become a cornerstone of United’s defensive revival—something both the club and its fans desperately want. For now, the center-back spot is wide open. With Lisandro Martínez in need of a reliable partner, Yoro has a real shot at locking down a starting role under Erik ten Hag, who is said to be a firm believer in the young Frenchman’s potential.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are still chasing De Ligt. If they manage to pair him with Yoro, United’s long-standing defensive issues could finally be resolved. From there, the expectation will be clear—start delivering results.
Crickex Sign Up also notes that United are eyeing additional midfield reinforcements, particularly Uruguayan talent Manuel Ugarte. Known for his aggressive ball-winning and positional awareness, Ugarte could bring much-needed stability to United’s midfield. Young, tenacious, and with a bright future ahead, he fits the club’s new transfer philosophy perfectly: buy smart, build for the future, and return to glory one step at a time.