European giants pulled plug on rivaling Manchester United for Leny Yoro due to injury worries: Reports
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) reportedly decided not to pursue Leny Yoro because of injury concerns before Manchester United sealed the French teenager's signature. The highly rated center-back is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury during pre-season.
FootballTransfers reports that the Parisians had concerns over Yoro's physicality and how it may lead to potential injuries. The France U23 international missed just one game for LOSC Lille's senior team due to injury before leaving for Old Trafford.
Leny Yoro joined Manchester United from Lille in a reported £58.9 million deal. PSG were keeping tabs on the French wonderkid, as were Real Madrid and Liverpool. He was expected to be a regular starter alongside Lisandro Martinez in Erik ten Hag's defense before picking up his injury.
The 18-year-old was forced off in the first half of the Red Devils' 2-1 loss to Arsenal in a pre-season friendly (July 28). Days later, he was spotted on crutches and wearing a protective boot in Los Angeles.
There are fears that Yoro may have fractured his fifth metatarsal and could be out of action for weeks. He'll almost certainly miss the rest of his new club's pre-season.
Ten Hag's men face Manchester City in the Community Shield next Saturday (August 10). They kickstart their Premier League campaign against Fulham on August 16.
Manchester United could swoop for Matthijs de Ligt to deal with Leny Yoro's injury
Manchester United could react to Leny Yoro's injury by sealing the signing of Matthijs de Ligt. The Red Devils have reportedly agreed on personal terms with the Dutch defender, per The Mirror.
Bayern Munich have left De Ligt, 24, out of their pre-season tour of South Korea. He's vacationing after representing the Netherlands at Euro 2024 where his nation bowed out after suffering a 2-1 loss to England in the semifinals.
However, De Ligt may have played his last game for Bayern if United ramps up their efforts to sign him. Ten Hag knows him well, having previously coached him at Ajax.
De Ligt appeared 30 times across competitions last season, helping his side keep nine clean sheets. He also chipped in with two goals and one assist at the Allianz Arena.
Manchester United dealt with an injury crisis in their defense last season, with most of their central defenders sidelined at some point. They replaced Raphael Varane with Yoro after the Frenchman's contract expired, and he joined Serie A side Como.