Erik ten Hag has already got the better of Arne Slot as Man Utd pull Liverpool's pants down

The renewed rivalry between Erik ten Hag and Liverpool manager Arne Slot this season following his move to Manchester United will generate plenty of interest. And the Red Devils boss has already gotten the better of his former Dutch Eredivisie opponents by seemingly winning the race to sign Lille defender Leny Yoro.

United are reportedly close to completing 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 appear to have made a major statement by beating out rival interest from Liverpool and European champions Real Madrid to secure his signature.

Yoro was said to be Liverpool's top target but the Anfield giants were convinced he was leaving Lille for Spain.

But Real came close to matching United's offer and Yoro ultimately decided that a move to Old Trafford was the best move for his career.

The 18-year-old's arrival represents a huge coup for United after the club's worst ever Premier League season.

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

But there is understandably some bemusement among Liverpool fans as to how the club have failed to lure the Frenchman to Merseyside.

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

United will enter the Europa League after winning the FA Cup in May, having missed out on Europe altogether by finishing eighth.

Liverpool's interest, which saw one of their biggest rivals sign Yoro, is a major 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 several players assessing their future following Jurgen Klopp's departure.

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

United confirmed the signing of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee on Sunday for a fee believed to be £35million over three years.

INEOS' summer spending will hit £87m once Yoro walks through the door, which could require further player sales to fund further activity.

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