Why Leny Yoro turned down Real Madrid in favour of Man Utd transfer as staggering wage disparity revealed

After an impressive season for Lille, the 18-year-old joined United in a £52 million ($68m) deal this summer - snubbing Madrid along the way. Now, according to Marca, the centre-back opted to head to Old Trafford after being offered £8 million ($10.5m) in wages, versus a salary of £2.1m ($2.7m) at Los Blancos.

This, perhaps more than any other of United's summer recruits, was a statement buy from the Red Devils. Yoro is rated as one of the best teenage defenders in Europe, perhaps even the world, so to get him was a real coup. Their reported salary offer also shows how badly they wanted him over Madrid. However, he is currently out injured with a foot problem - one that will sideline him until November.

The 6ft 3in defender made his first appearance for Lille in the 2021/22 season as a 16-year-old, before having a breakout campaign last term. The France Under-21 international racked up 44 appearances and scored three goals for the Ligue 1 side.

While Yoro steps up his recovery from injury, one that required surgery in early August, his United side return to Premier League action on Saturday away to lowly Southampton. Madrid, on the other hand, travel to Real Sociedad on the same day in La Liga.