Amidst rumors regarding a possible transfer for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs De Ligt to Manchester United, it has been reported that the Red Devils have already started talks with the player.
As such, it is quite evident that the Red Devils want to secure the services of the Dutch defender as soon as possible.
With the Euro 2024 and the Copa America taking up most of the headlines, the transfer window has largely gone unnoticed. However, Manchester United club officials are working overtime to strengthen and reorganize their squad before the start of next season.
With the Red Devils trying their best to woo the 24-year-old defender away from Bayern Munich, here are 3 reasons why signing De Ligt might be the perfect decision for Manchester United.
3. Manchester United need strong, physical defender
Manchester United has struggled on defence for most of the 2023/2024 season. Three of their main defenders – Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez – all missed out on a lot of games due to injury issues.
Now, Raphael Varane has decided to leave Old Trafford and United must secure a starting defender.
Strong, aggressive and physical, de Ligt is the ideal option for the Red Devils. The Dutch defender is also extremely good on the ball and can help the team play out from the back. He would definitely be an asset to Ten Hag's squad.
2. Deal makes financial sense
With De Ligt suffering from fitness issues last season, and then being left out of the Dutch starting 11 at this year's Euro – Manchester United will be able to strike a good deal for the defender.
United originally wanted to sign Everton man Jarrad Branthwaite. However, they were not able to match the $88 million valuation Everton set for him. As for De Ligt, the price might not go that high.
As per The Mirror, De Ligt may be available to the Red Devils for about $50 million to $75 million. This would be an important factor as Ten Hag's team are currently working on a tight transfer budget.
1. De Ligt - Ten Hag combination worked before
A major reason why De Ligt is the ideal choice is that he has already played under Eric Ten Hag, and achieved a lot of success in doing so. The two know each other from their days back at Ajax.
However, it must also be noted that Ten Hag's imports from his Ajax team haven't always borne the best results for Manchester United. Antony has been quite a flop if one's being honest while Lisandro Martinez has been a pretty good signing.
De Ligt however, gained quite a lot of experience at Juventus and also at Bayern Munich. As of now, the Dutch defender is going through a rough patch and a reunion with his old boss might be just be enough to bring him back to his best.