Manchester United make improved offer to sign Ajax superstar
Ajax skipper Matthijs de Ligt has been targeted by several European giants after leading his side to a Champions League semifinal this season, but Sport believe that Manchester United has the upper hand now after submitting a much-improved offer.
The Red Devils endured a terrible 18/19 campaign, finishing 6th in the Premier League after losing 4 of their last 6 matches.
A summer overhaul is desperately needed if Solskjaer and his men are to challenge for the top 4 next season, and a center back will be top priority.
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United shipped an incredible 54 goals, ending with a goal difference of just 11. David De Gea hasn’t been in great form, but the defenders have been truly dismal.
Only Victor Lindelof can claim to have had a decent campaign, and the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Harry Maguire and de Ligt have been touted as potential partners in defense for the Swede for the upcoming season.
De Ligt, in particular, would be a huge coup for Solskjaer. The 19-year-old has been exceptional for his boyhood club this season, becoming the youngest player to captain a team in the Champions League semifinal.
United needs a leader at the back, and de Ligt would fit that profile. Solskjaer also wants to focus on signing youngsters, and the Dutchman has his entire career ahead of him.
The lack of Champions League football remains the biggest stumbling block for any potential deal. Barcelona have so far been the favorites to sign him, having already recruited his teammate Frenkie de Jong, but Sport also reported recently that the Catalans were no longer in control of the deal.
This does open the door for Ed Woodward, but there remains the issue of other big clubs like Juventus and Liverpool chasing de Ligt, with both clubs in the Champions League next season.
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De Ligt could very well be the signing that defines United’s 2019/20 campaign. While a title challenge still seems impossible at the moment, a world-class talent like him could be the foundation of Solskjaer’s team for several years to come.