Erik ten Hag explains why Man Utd signed Leny Yoro

Erik ten Hag has admitted Leny Yoro's mentality and maturity played a big part in Manchester United's decision to sign the teenager this summer.

Yoro, 18, joined United in a deal worth up to £58.9m earlier this summer, but suffered a foot injury in pre-season which forced him to undergo surgery and is expected to keep him on the sidelines for the next three months.

After his surgery, Yoro posted a positive message to fans on social media and Ten Hag admitted the short statement showed exactly why United were so keen to land the centre-back.

"He already expresses one of the reasons why we signed him," Ten Hag told Sky Sports. "Very mature, great personality, dealing with it, looking forward, being brave and positive."

"Fire is burning there. For his age, he's already very mature, very in balance. You don't get him distracted. He knows what he wants. He knows where he wants to go. I'm sure he'll return as soon as possible and then he will support the team and help the team to win games and trophies.

"You need heart and you need head. In football, both are very important. You need both things right to form a team. In any team, you need different skillsets, but personality, character and mentality are very important to construct a winning team."

Yoro, who will wear the number 15 shirt next season, is not expected back in action until October.

It was recently revealed that United had attempted to mask the severity of Yoro's injury while they hunt for for a new centre-back - a transfer plan which was in place even before Yoro was forced on to the sidelines.

United are keen on Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt but fear the Bundesliga side could now demand a higher fee from a team who could now be perceived as desperate to make a new signing to fill the void left behind by Yoro.

Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is also a known target, but the Toffees' £70m asking price is a major stumbling block.

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