Leny Yoro transfer hints at Manchester United's new market strategy

Leny Yoro's first and last appearances for Lille were against Nice. His debut, as a 16-year-old, came in the presence of Sir Dave Brailsford.

Brailsford was at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in his role as the Ineos sporting director of Ineos-owned Nice. He was flanked by Josh Thompson, the group's sports project manager already dubbed Brailsford's "bag man" by some at Manchester United.

Where Brailsford goes, Thompson usually follows. He wandered through the mixed zone with Brailsford and Sir Jim Ratcliffe after the FA Cup final and appeared to advise Ratcliffe on an exit strategy that avoided the press.

Thompson closely assists Brailsford and fellow United football board member Jean-Claude Blanc to drive the performance levels. Yoro has gone up a few levels since Brailsford first clapped eyes on him.

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The teenager came on in the 78th minute with Lille 2-1 up in May 2022 and they clinched a 3-1 victory. Three of Yoro's 68 appearances for Lille came against Nice.

United sporting director Dan Ashworth championed the development of a signing from Lille at Brighton six years ago. He joined two months before Ashworth's appointment but it was under the Ashworth-Graham Potter axis he emerged into one of the Premier League's most dominant midfielders. Yves Bissouma restored Tottenham's backbone last season.

Ratcliffe said earlier this year United would opt for a grassroots approach in the transfer market and Yoro is very green. Ratcliffe last month lamented the disadvantages of multi-club ownership in the transfer market as the Nice centre back Jean-Clair Todibo had been eyed by United but is now headed for West Ham.

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