Erik ten Hag has got one over Arne Slot already as Man Utd pull Liverpool's pants down

Erik ten Hag’s renewed rivalry with Liverpool manager Arne Slot this season after his Manchester United stay will draw plenty of interest. And the Red Devils manager has already got one over his former Dutch Eredivisie foe by seemingly winning the race to sign Lille defender Leny Yoro.

United are reportedly set to seal a £52million deal for Yoro once he completes his medical on Wednesday and signs a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.

INEOS look to have made a major statement by beating rival interest from Liverpool and European champions Real Madrid to secure his signature.

Yoro is said to have been Liverpool’s prime target, but the Anfield giants were convinced he was only leaving Lille for Spain.

But Real didn’t come close to matching United’s offer and Yoro has ultimately decided that a move to Old Trafford is the best move for his career.

The 18-year-old’s arrival represents an incredible coup for United on the back of the club’s worst-ever Premier League season.

Yoro is one of the world’s most highly-rated young defenders and will become Raphael Varane’s long-term successor in Ten Hag’s defence.

But there is understandably bemusement among the Liverpool fanbase as to how the club couldn’t lure the Frenchman to Merseyside.

Slot is yet to make his first signing as Liverpool boss, but there is Champions League football on offer at Anfield this season after a third-place Premier League finish.

United will compete in the Europa League after winning the FA Cup in May, previously missing out on Europe altogether by finishing eighth.

Liverpool’s interest, only to see one of their biggest rivals land Yoro, is a bitter blow at the start of Slot’s reign, especially amid concerns over Virgil van Dijk’s future.

The 33-year-old’s contract expires next summer, and he will be one of multiple players weighing up their futures after Jurgen Klopp’s exit.

Yoro will become the second signing of the INEOS era at Old Trafford if he completes his switch in the coming days.

On Sunday, United confirmed the capture of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee for a reported £35m fee spread across three years.

INEOS’ summer spending will hit £87m once Yoro is through the door, which may require further player sales to fund more business.

Mason Greenwood is set to join Marseille in a £27m deal, while several other United stars remain in the shop window.