Sport

Leny Yoro ‘in Manchester’ for medical as United outbid Real Madrid for talented young defender

It appears they're moving much quicker in the market this year.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 17th July 2024

Man United look to have made a definitive decision on their second signing of the summer as young defender Leny Yoro is reportedly already “in Manchester” for his medical ahead of joining the Premier League club.

The French centre-back, who has impressed during his breakthrough into LOSC Lille’s first team over the past two seasons, has attracted a number of suitors across this transfer window, including Liverpool, PSG and, most notably, Real Madrid.

However, despite a tentative initial bid from Madrid, it looks as though United have now pulled the trigger and beaten the La Liga giants to his signature, as it is said Yoro has now flown to Manchester for his medical with a fee already agreed between both clubs and the final details soon to be confirmed.

According to the latest updates from ever-reliable transfer source, Fabrizio Romano, the deal is said to be a five-year deal which “includes several bonuses based on appearances, performances and more”.

It is being reported that Lille accepted an offer in the region of around 62 million euros (approx. £52m) for the talented 18-year-old on Wednesday, 17 July, after Madrid chose not to raise their offer and seemingly cooled their interest.

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Yoro’s preference is always thought to have been Spain, but it seems the recently incumbent INEOS Group were clinical in negotiations and simply met the Ligue 1 club’s asking price while Madrid were apparently willing to wait until 2025 when his contract was due to expire

It was reported on Tuesday that Man United had made progress in talks with two central defensive targets, but that only a deal for one of them was expected to be completed given their transfer budget and stricter measures than ever around FFP and PSR.

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That being said, with the departure of Raphaël Varane and Willy Kambwala, Victor Lindelöf having just a year left on his contract, not to mention other players future’s still looking uncertain, outgoings could potentially make room for another among the back four to be brought in.

Meanwhile, even famous fans of the Red Devils like social media star Harry Pinero have been playing the role of football agent to try and curry Yoro’s favour. Let’s just say it can’t have hurt their chances.

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While an official announcement is yet to come and it’s still unclear if his medical has been completed or if all personal terms signed off, for all intents and purposes, it looks like a done deal.

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Bringing in Yoro would mark the second acquisition by United so far ahead of the 2024/25 season, with Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee also being unveiled earlier this week – two youthful additions to the overall squad depth at either end of the pitch.

Elsewhere in defence, Premier League veteran and long-serving club servant Jonny Evans was also given a new one-year deal to extend his stay at Old Trafford after impressing as what started out as a stop-gap signing amid their chronic injury problems throughout the previous campaign.

Who else would you like to see brought in, Reds?

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Featured Images — Leny Yoro/Equipe de France de Football (via Instagram)

Sport

Paul Scholes blasts Ruben Amorim for ‘bull****’ response to Kobbie Mainoo question

Danny Jones Danny Jones Paul Scholes reacts to Amorim's response to Kobbie Mainoo question

Club legend Paul Scholes has called out Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for what he dubbed a “bull****” reaction to a question from a journalist regarding Kobbie Mainoo on Thursday.

The Portuguese coach saw his Premier League win rate clock in at just under 44% (the lowest of any Man United manager for, let’s just say, some time) after the 1-1 home draw against West Ham.

Conceding a late goal against the Irons, who are currently sat in the relegation zone, the Red Devils ultimately dropped another two points against a side that they should be beating, both based on present form and if they have any hopes of competing for the top spots.

Unsurprisingly, Amorim was pressed on why he didn’t make a more offensive substitution to try and claw back the victory, to which he then asked what looked to be a somewhat loaded question and gave this reaction after the response:

The laughter, in particular, hasn’t gone down well with everyone, especially the Class of ’92 graduate and retired midfielder.

Jumping on social media after the quotes from the Amorim press conference were out, Scholes posted on his Instagram story: Bull****. This kid is being ruined, not being played in a team that can’t control a game of football.”

He went on to add: “Hate seeing homegrown players leave, but it’s probably best for him now – enough is enough.”

First off, Reds – do you agree?

It isn’t the first time Scholes has levelled criticism at Amorim, his tactics, management and overall coaching style, having said this of their previous appointment at Old Trafford.

Safe to say he isn’t his biggest supporter at the moment.

Fellow former teammate and England international turned pundit, Gary Neville, was also left not just confused but frustrated by the performance, telling Sky Sports in his post-match interview that he noted the camera picking up “real dejection” on the faces of the fans after the full-time whistle.

With an away trip against Wolves, a home match against Bournemouth, as well as travelling to face high-flying European place competitors, Aston Villa, before hosting Newcastle on Boxing Day, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the results will pan out.

You can see the highlights from Man United vs West Ham down below.

How many points do you see them picking up over the next four fixtures?

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Featured Images — jmage (via Flickr)/Manchester United/Sky Sports (screenshots via YouTube)

Sport

BBC releases first look of new drama series based on inspirational journey of England men’s football team

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

First look images of a new BBC drama series based on award-winning play Dear England have been released.

The four-part series based on James Graham’s Olivier-award winning play of the same name tells the story of Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team journey to renewed success, and it’s set to air on BBC One and iPlayer next year.

Dear England is a fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of England’s football teams, based on extensive research and interviews.

The stage play premiered at the National Theatre to five-star reviews, winning an Olivier award for ‘Best New Play’, and enjoying a sell-out run in 2023 before it returned to the National Theatre earlier this year and then embarked on a national tour.

The first look images of new BBC series Dear England have been released / Credit: BBC

With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take England back to the promised land.

The country that gave the world football has delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t the England team win at their own game?

Joseph Fiennes will reprise his Olivier award-nominated role as Gareth Southgate in the new series.

Joseph Fiennes will star as former manager Gareth Southgate / Credit: BBC

The first look pictures see Fiennes in his role for the first time in scenes depicting England’s triumphant Euro 2024 Semi-Final celebrations, where the men’s team reached their first final of a major tournament on foreign soil.

Fiennes is joined by Jodie Whittaker as England men’s team psychologist Pippa Grange, and Daniel Ryan as Steve Holland the former assistant manager, whilst Will Antenbring stars as Harry Kane, joined by an ensemble cast of upcoming actors as the rest of the team.

Among the squad cast is Adam Hugill, Josh Barrow, and screen newcomer Lewis Shepherd, who are all reprising their respective stage roles as Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford, and Dele Alli.

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Dear England will air on BBC One and iPlayer in the new year, with exact air dates set to be announced in due course.

Featured Image – BBC

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