Is Man United or Real Madrid a better fit for top young defender?
Leny Yoro is courting desire from both Manchester United and Real Madrid, putting the 18-year-old on the cusp of the two of the most popular clubs in the world. That brings about inherent challenges. Real Madrid and Manchester United demand higher expectations out of their stars, even if they are 18. Likewise, the competition Leny […]
Leny Yoro is courting desire from both Manchester United and Real Madrid, putting the 18-year-old on the cusp of the two of the most popular clubs in the world. That brings about inherent challenges. Real Madrid and Manchester United demand higher expectations out of their stars, even if they are 18. Likewise, the competition Leny Yoro would go up against would be a stark contrast compared to that of Ligue 1. Yet, despite the potential struggles of breaking into the first team, Real Madrid would be far more sensible for Leny Yoro than Manchester United.
That comes down to development. Real Madrid and Manchester United have both made splash signings of top young players in their recent history. For Real Madrid, that could be players like Vinicius, Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler. Each of these players joined for less than $50 million as teenagers. Their potential made them a risk for Real Madrid, but the Spanish side shaped them into top talents. In Camavinga and Guler’s cases, these players are still developing.
Additionally, Real Madrid does not tend to prioritize one position’s development over another. While the headlines always go to Jude Bellingham or Vinicius, Eduardo Camavinga was one of Real Madrid’s most important players in its recent Champions League-winning campaign. Although mainly a defensive midfielder, Real Madrid helped Camavinga learn how to play across the pitch.
Leny Yoro can be another one of those players to get the full experience of learning at Real Madrid. Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger are the clear favorites in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. Having the opportunity to develop behind them will work wonders for the 18-year-old’s fledgling career.
The issues of development at Manchester United
Leny Yoro may see Manchester United as a way to play against the top teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and other English teams would be a great way to learn by trial. However, Leny Yoro is smart enough to understand the situation at Manchester United. The Frenchman has stated he wants to join Real Madrid, and perhaps that extends from the dismal nature of the club as a whole.
Ownership change, threats to the manager’s longevity and the incessant pressure on Manchester United players make a transfer to United undesirable. Those may have played a role in Yoro’s preference. Additionally, United has a poor history when it comes to signing young players who proceed to flounder at United. Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek and Memphis Depay struggled with the pressure that Old Trafford provides.
Harry Maguire would be a better example to scare Yoro away. Maguire was a great center-back at Leicester City before he moved to Manchester United as a 26-year-old. Manchester United fans and coaches lamented every minute mistake Maguire made, and that shot his confidence early at Manchester United. At the age of 16, Maguire was able to shirk much of that controversy after years of suffering through it to become a reliable defender for Manchester United. Leny Yoro would be risking his promising career by making that move given he would instantly be a candidate to start at the back alongside Lisandro Martinez or Harry Maguire.
Will Real Madrid oblige Leny Yoro?
The main challenge now is that Real Madrid may not want Leny Yoro. Even though the defender wants to go to Real Madrid, only Manchester United has given Lille a firm offer of $54 million. Real Madrid has not offered Lille any money, which makes the prospect of that transfer understandably quite challenging. Yoro should move to Manchester United rather than stay at Lille if that is his only option. Yet, if Real Madrid expresses any concrete interest, Leny should do whatever he can to force that move.
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