Man Utd’s plan for Matthijs de Ligt now clear after signing completes switch

Manchester United are set to put their interest in Matthijs de Ligt on hold after signing Lille star Leny Yoro.

The Red Devils have been busy in the transfer market under the new leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos. Yoro, 18, is the club’s second summer acquisition following Joshua Zirkzee’s move from Bologna.

United completed a deal worth £58million for Yoro, who was previously believed to be holding out for a dream move to Real Madrid and had been talked about as a target for Liverpool. However, the highly-rated teenager instead made a switch to Old Trafford after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical on Wednesday, seemingly swayed by United’s eagerness to secure his services.

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With a limited transfer budget, there had been speculation about whether Yoro’s arrival would end United’s pursuit of Bayern Munich centre-back De Ligt. And it appears this could indeed be the case.

The Red Devils entered the summer with plans to bolster their centre-back options, identifying the 24-year-old as a key target alongside Yoro. However, after securing the France Under-21 star, United are now focusing on strengthening other areas, putting any potential move for the Netherlands player on hold, reports the Mirror.

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That said, United could revisit their interest in the former Ajax man if they manage to offload some of their current defenders. Lisandro Martinez is the top choice for centre-back under Ten Hag.

But Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire could be on their way out if the price is right. The club is actively looking for a buyer for Swedish international Lindelof, who had his contract extended by another year last season.

Maguire may not be the first choice at the start of the season, but he’s determined to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford. His high wages are deterring potential Premier League suitors.

United had two offers turned down for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer – they wouldn’t match Everton’s £70m asking price – but the signing of Yoro, who has been on United’s radar for a while, is seen as a significant victory.

Yoro had initially preferred a move to Madrid. However, with the Spanish giants unwilling to meet Lille’s demands and wanting to wait until next summer to sign Yoro for free, he has decided his future is with United.