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Leny Yoro is relishing the opportunity to play in the Premier League for Manchester United, a division he describes as “the biggest in the world”.

Yoro completed his £52million move to Old Trafford from Lille last week, signing a five-year contract with the option of a further year.

The 18-year-old became United’s second signing of the transfer window following the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna four days previously.

Yoro was thrust straight into Erik ten Hag’s starting XI in their 2-0 win over Rangers in their pre-season friendly on Saturday and impressed on his debut.

The French defender has had the most touches (51), the most passes (44) and the most long passes (four) of any player in the United squad and is eager to showcase his talents in the Premier League.

“Yes, for me it’s the biggest league in the world,” Yoro said in his first interview with United. “For me, the Premier League is where football fully exists.

“The fans, the level – because the level is crazy there, it’s not an easy game – and, for me, the Premier League is the biggest in the world.”

Yoro had long been expected to join Real Madrid after keeping 15 clean sheets in his 32 league appearances, earning him a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year last season.

However, the 18-year-old has revealed that a conversation with six-time Premier League winner Rio Ferdinand played a pivotal role in United securing his services.

“It’s Rio Ferdinand, he’s a legend at Manchester United, so for me it’s an honour,” Yoro said. “He’s a great defender, a legend, so yes, it’s a great honour for me.

“It was two weeks ago. He called me, so first of all I was really impressed to speak with him and yes, we spoke for about 10 minutes about Manchester United, so he helped me a lot in making my choice.

“He told me about the club, and that it is a historic club with a great history, and if I go there, I have to fight for the club, be ready, because it is the biggest club in the world.”

United fans will be able to see Yoro in action again this Saturday when they take on Arsenal in the first game of their pre-season tour of the United States.

Ten Hag’s side will also play Real Betis and Liverpool, before turning their attention to their Community Shield encounter against Manchester City on August 10.