Ferdinand’s persuasive talents clinched Manchester United’s Yoro contract. Ferdinand sent Yoro a social media message welcoming him to Old Trafford and, speaking to in-house club media, 18-year-old Yoro explained the former England star had already adopted a more direct approach.
Manchester United successfully enlisted the help of legendary defender Rio Ferdinand to convince promising young talent Leny Yoro to join their ranks.
The centre-back, who was highly sought after by several elite European clubs, including Real Madrid, ultimately chose Manchester United. He signed a five-year contract following a £52 million transfer from French club Lille.
Ferdinand reached out to Yoro through social media, extending a warm welcome to Old Trafford. In an interview with the club’s in-house media, the 18-year-old Yoro revealed that Ferdinand had taken a proactive approach.
“Two weeks ago, he called me,” Yoro shared. “We spoke for 10 minutes about Man United, and he really helped me make my decision.”
Yoro recounted Ferdinand’s words about the club: “He mainly talked about the club’s history and significance. He emphasized that Manchester United is a historic club with a rich legacy, and that joining means being ready to fight for the team, as it is the biggest club in the world. It was very insightful.”
Yoro showcased his potential during his debut in a pre-season win over Rangers at Murrayfield. His self-assessment indicates a playing style reminiscent of Ferdinand, who transferred to United for £29.1 million from Leeds 22 years ago.
“Modern football requires a good reading of the game,” Yoro said. “Understanding the opponent is crucial, and I focus a lot on that. I’m also very comfortable with the ball and unafraid to play.”
