The deciding factor in Leny Yoro's decision to join Manchester United was revealed as Real Madrid explained the reasons behind ending their pursuit of the talented youngster, according to reports.
Yoro opted to join Erik ten Hag's project after a host of top European sides came calling in the summer, with Madrid being the direct challenger to United's transfer ambitions.
The Frenchman eventually signed a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months as United successfully negotiated a £52m fee with Lille as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS team began to flex their transfer muscles.
Madrid were in the market for a new central defender after winning the Champions League with long-term former centre-back Nacho deciding to leave the club following the expiration of his contract.
The reigning LaLiga and European champions offered Yoro a pay packet of £2.5m-per-season, while United put together a deal on personal terms that were triple that offering, as revealed by Marca.
A total of £8.1m-per-year was agreed with Yoro by the 13-time Premier League champions as Madrid decided not to increase their bid and instead started to explore other options.
United boss Ten Hag was keen to integrate the rising talent into his team as Yoro made his friendly debut against Rangers after just a couple of days pre-season training.
He later headed to America with the rest of the squad for further friendly encounters, before being struck down with a serious injury.
Horror struck when he was injured against Arsenal in the States and had to undergo surgery on his metatarsal that has left him side-lined for what is hoped will be only three months.
Madrid later explained that they were not willing to spend on players that didn't suit the profile of Carlo Ancelotti's side that improved their team with the signing of superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Meanwhile, Yoro's injury meant United needed to recruit another defender in Matthijs De Ligt who made his first Premier League start in the 3-0 defeat against rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The Dutch defender is currently on international duty with the Netherlands and made headlines on Sunday morning after describing his weekend outing against France as 'f****d'.