Manchester United have been heavily linked with Matthijs De Ligt over the recent weeks. The Red Devils want to strengthen their defense for the next season after having a nightmare season in Premier League. Erik Ten Hag’s side conceded 58 goals in Premier League 2023/24 season which is one more than they scored. There has been clear indication that Old Trafford needs a improvement in lot of the areas.
There have been major changes in United board. Omar Berrada is club’s new chief executive. Dan Ashworth is new sporting director and Jason Wilcox in new technical director. Ashworth was hard to get due to Newcastle’s demands. However the deal is finally done and Ashworth has started his job with an immediate effect.
Red Devils want to sign defender, midfielder, striker and right winger. However due to profitability and sustainability rules, they have set an limited budget for each position. De Ligt who has not been able to met the expectations of Bayern is set to be sold by German giants. They most important part is that the Dutch international fits perfectly in United’s budget and hence has been linked heavily with a move to Premier League. Ashworth is currently working hard to sign De Ligt and make him his first United signing.
United’s problems in defensive line
Manchester United have been very weak defensively throughout the 2023/24 season. Raphael Varane who signed for Red Devils in 2021 has not been able to impress Old Trafford due to constant injuries. As a result, the club decided to let him leave for free as his contract expires this summer. Lisandro Martinez has also faced several injuries this season. As a result Ten Hag used Jonny Evans who made 23 Premier League appearances in 2023/24 season.
The club were linked with Jarrad Branthwaite. However the demanded price by Everton for the defender proved too high for the 20 times Premier League champions. United have a limited budget of £50 million for the defender position and they are not willing to spend more than that. Fortunately, a player who made big name under the guidance of Ten Hag is available in that range who is happy to join United this summer.
United get green light from De Ligt
Bayern Munich signed Matthijs De Light from Juventus for £68 million in 2022. However the Dutch international has failed to leave his mark at Allianz Arena and has eventually fallen out of the manager’s favour. Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-Jae and Eric Dier have been used as primary defenders which has resulted in De Ligt getting sidelined for most of the matches. Bayern no longer need the services of De Ligt and are willing to part ways with him.
De Ligt has given green light to join Red Devils. United believe that they will get their hands on the dutch defender for £40 million according to Daily Mail. De Ligt who has already worked with Ten Hag can play on the right side of centre half. He could used his experience to make a difference in the current United side alongside Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.
De Ligt under Erik Ten Hag
Matthijs De Ligt first came into the attention under none other than current United boss Erik Ten Hag. The duo were present in Ajax’s historic run in the 2018/19 Champions League. De Ligt was a very important asset for Ten Hag as he started 11 Champions league matches in that season. The Dutch international scores 2 goals of which 1 came in Ajax’s famous victory against Juventus in quarter finals. Unfortunately Ajax were knocked out in semifinals due to the brilliant hattrick of Lucas Moura. However De Ligt managed to win Eredivisie title with Ajax that season with Ten Hag and then left in following summer to join Juventus.
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