Manchester United fielded 15 different centre-back combinations in front of new goalkeeper Andre Onana in the Premier League last season, and he could yet see more pairings.
Fortunately, he has already played with one potential new arrival. Matthijs de Ligt – who has now agreed personal terms with United – played with Onana at Ajax before his 2019 move to Juventus.
United are open to bringing in three new centre-halves and Leny Yoro might be another of them. The 18-year-old has been hotly linked with Real Madrid as is the excitement around his future, but United have stolen a march by having a bid worth up to £59m accepted.
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There is a lot of hype around the teenager, having played all but two of Lille’s league matches amid their fourth-place finish last term. He has been told by his club that he can seek an exit this summer amid heightened interest.
Manager Paulo Fonesca – who has left Lille for Milan this summer – raved about the youngster during last season: “He’s amazing. In all my career, I’ve never seen such a mature young player.”
Former Lille defender – and now BBC TV Euro 2024 pundit – Jose Fonte was just as complimentary. The ex-captain said last year: “The new thing is Leny and the quality he demonstrates. His personality, his professionalism.
“He is always focused, listens and wants to learn, stays positive even in criticism. When you react like that, only good things can happen to you. I am happy to be part of this adventure. I am here to help him even if he does not ask for anything.”
This will be music to the ears of Ten Hag, who has previously called on his players to be more mature, especially during his first season. After a dismal 2-0 defeat away at Newcastle United a year last May, the Dutchman remarked: “If you want to win big games, you have to be mature, and I didn’t see that.”
Later that month, he outlined what he expects from his players: “One of the aspects of the biggest talent is that they are mature. First, they take responsibility then second, they are mature to bring in the skills and have the belief that they can dominate opponents.”
The character appraisals from Yoro’s former manager and captain will massively encourage Ten Hag, who is clearly already an admirer of the Frenchman’s game play.