Following yet another disappointing season under Eric Ten Hag, Manchester United are in desperate need to reorganize and rebuild their squad.
As part of that restructuring, the Red Devils are reportedly trying to strengthen their defence by bringing in a star defender from Bayern Munich.
United struggled massively on defence last season with Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez all missing out on chunks of the season through injuries. Things have gotten even more serious now that Varane will be out of contract at the end of the month.
Ten Hag must secure the services of a strong centre back if he wants to stage a comeback next season. As such, the Red Devils have taken a very important step to do exactly that.
Manchester United eye star Bayern Munich defender
As per a recent report by Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have started conversation with Matthijs De Ligt regarding a possible move to Old Trafford. However, the report also states that the two clubs haven't had any official contact yet regarding the deal.
🚨🔴 We’ve been told that Manchester United have opened talks about Matthijs de Ligt on player‘s side now!
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 29, 2024
Understand that #MUFC have gathered more information about the 24 y/o in recent days as he can leave Bayern with a suitable offer as revealed.
De Ligt, ready to leave… pic.twitter.com/Fy9IZQzhvQ
De Ligt has previously worked with Ten Hag during their time together at Ajax and he'd be an excellent addition to the squad. The Dutch defender played a total of 30 games last season for Bayern Munich and managed to put on quite a decent performance.
On the other hand, the 24-year-old defender has not played a single minute for the Dutch side at Euro 2024. Coach Ronald Koeman has opted for Inter defender Stefan de Vrij to partner up with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Dutch defence.
This will quite surely affect the Bayern Munich centre back who would want to become an undisputed starter for his club side. At Bayern Munich, he has to compete with Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae as well as Eric Dier for that spot.
At the same time, Bayern Munich have shown interest in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah and should they secure the transfer, an exit for De Ligt would likely be imminent.