Manchester United’s newest defender, Leny Yoro, has spoken highly of Rio Ferdinand’s influence in his decision to join the Red Devils, following a £52m transfer from Lille.

The 18-year-old center-back was thrust into United’s pre-season friendly against Rangers, starting the match and impressing under Erik ten Hag’s guidance.

Yoro has been hailed as a “generational talent,” with United beating out Real Madrid and Liverpool to secure his signature. The young defender credits conversations with Ferdinand, a United legend, for convincing him to choose Old Trafford as his next destination.

Revealing the interactions with Ferdinand, Yoro described the experience as an “honour,” discussing the club’s rich history and trophy-laden past.

Yoro made his first appearance for United in the club’s pre-season friendly win over Rangers

Yoro explained how conversations with United legend Rio Ferdinand convinced him to join the club

‘This is Rio Ferdinand, this is a legend in Man United, so for me this is an honour. This is a big defender, a legend, so yeah, big honour for me,’ said Yoro.

‘It was like two weeks ago. He called me, so first of all I was really impressed to speak with him and yeah, we spoke like 10 minutes about Man United, so he helped me a lot to make my choice. So yeah, it was really an honour to speak with him.

‘Yeah, he spoke to me about the club, and [that] this is a historic club with a big story, and if I go there I need to fight for the club, to be ready, because this is the biggest club in the world. So, yeah, for me it was really good to speak about this.

‘When I was younger, Rio was one of the best defenders in the world. I think everyone watched United when he was young and, for me, it was a dream to play for this club,’ he added.

Yoro was surprised with a pre-recorded video message from Ferdinand at his official unveiling, beaming throughout the exchange as his childhood idol raved over the transfer.

Ferdinand surprised Yoro with a pre-recorded video message upon joining the club

Yoro was wanted by United manager Erik ten Hag in a bid to reinforce the club’s defence and beat out both Real Madrid and Liverpool to secure his signature.

Yoro was wanted by United manager Erik ten Hag in a bid to reinforce the club’s defence

Ferdinand’s video message to Yoro was a heartfelt welcome to the club, urging the young defender to work hard and make the most of his opportunity.

‘Leny, Leny, Leny! How you doing bro? Listen, congratulations. Welcome to Manchester United, man. I wish you all the best. I know you’re going to work hard and that’s the secret man: work hard, work hard, work, work, work on all your parts of your game,’ he said.

‘You’ve got all the potential, you’ve got all the tools man, you’ve got everything there, ready to rock and roll to go and make a big impact at this club. It’s the best club in the world. It’s a beautiful place to be. Go and enjoy yourself man, alright, and I’ll see you soon. Good luck, good luck man. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go. Leny, Leny, Leny!’ added Ferdinand.

Yoro described the exchange as ‘crazy’ upon being surprised by the message from the Premier League and England legend.

Meanwhile, the promising defender will attempt to prepare himself for the demands of the English top-flight during United’s pre-season tour of the United States and recalled how playing against Kylian Mbappe has helped improve his all-round game.

The former Lille star impressed in previous clashes against the France national team captain in Ligue 1 and explained taking on Ollie Watkins in the Europa Conference League last year was a good challenge.

Yoro revealed how playing against Kylian Mbappe in Ligue 1 prepared him for the Premier League

‘I really liked to play against of course Mbappe. It was a really big, big, big, deal, so yeah for me it helped me a lot to improve myself.

‘It was good against Ollie Watkins, because this is a big striker here and, yeah, it was really good,’ he said.