Leny Yoro has vowed to return stronger after undergoing surgery on the foot injury which spoiled his summer switch to Manchester United.

The French centre-back, a £58.9m signing from Lille, was forced off injured during a pre-season meeting with Arsenal and was later diagnosed with a fractured metatarsal which is expected to keep him on the sidelines for three months.

United confirmed Yoro had undergone surgery earlier this week and the 18-year-old has now spoken out to thank his new fans for their support.

“This is not the start I wanted, but that’s football,” he wrote. “The operation went well. Thank you for your many messages of support.

“Now, time for patience and rehabilitation work. See you soon, stronger.”

Even before Yoro’s injury, United had always planned to sign two centre-backs this summer but the club did try and keep the severity of the Frenchman’s ailment a secret to avoid any potential ramifications in the transfer market.

Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt is a key target for United but the Red Devils now fear they may be forced to pay a premium as the German side are well aware that Yoro will be on the sidelines for the next three months.

Also on United’s radar is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, but his £70m price tag has long been seen as too expensive.

The focus is currently on De Ligt and United recently failed with a double bid which would have also brought right-back Noussair Mazraoui to Old Trafford. Talks between the two clubs are expected to continue, with both players keen on the move.

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