Why Do Manchester United Want De Ligt?

Manchester United are in the market for a new centre back and have their eyes set on Bayern Munich and Netherland’s Matthijs de Ligt.

They are preparing a bid in region of €50m (£42m) for the Dutch defender according to reports.

🚨🔴 Matthijs de Ligt has given green light to Manchester United move after direct contacts with his camp.

Personal terms are not an issue as his agent Pimenta is only negotiating with Man United, priority for the player.

Up to Man Utd and Bayern, in talks over deal structure. pic.twitter.com/NkAOh6TpW4

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2024

24-year-old has been on the radar for Manchester United for a while going back to his playing days at Ajax when he was coached by current manager Manchester United Erik Ten Hag.

Most fans would remember Ajax’s 2018/2019 UEFA Champions League run which led to semi-final beating top teams such as Real Madrid and Juventus on their route.

Matthijs de Ligt’s first half vs. Spurs by numbers:

100% tackles won
100% aerials won
4 ball recoveries
2/2 long balls
1 clean sheet
1 goal

Absurdly good CB. 👏👏👏pic.twitter.com/UlVFQyLeIt

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 8, 2019

He led the Ajax team at the age of 19 and attracted many top European clubs through his leadership, calmness and command in the defensive line on the European’s elite competition.

His performances earned him a move to Juventus in 2019 was able to learn and gain experience from Italian greats Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.

After spending three years in Serie-A he went across to the German giants Bayern Munich.

He is known for his ball winning, anticipation against Europe's best wingers, a goal threat with his throwing presence in the air and comfortable in possession.

Why's our fanbase downplaying Matthijs De Ligt potential when he's still an elite defender?.

The fact that he's only 24yrs old and he'll cost just below €50m makes it a no brainer signing to me.pic.twitter.com/WhDB7qZKZ4

— T🕷️ (@TheUnitedLad__) July 1, 2024

This would not be the first time Manchester United would be linked to a top-class Dutch defender, Jaap Stam would be the best reference and gained legendary status at the club.

Centre back has been made as a top priority position for the summer transfer window because the Red Devil’s performance defensively hit a record low and got worse throughout the season.

🚨 Manchester United have fielded 31 different defender combinations in their 43 games this season:

1. AWB, Varane, Martinez, Shaw
2. AWB, Varane, Martinez, Dalot
3. AWB, Lindelof, Martinez, Dalot
4. Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Reguilon
5. AWB, Lindelof, Martinez, Reguilon… pic.twitter.com/hPcFvWBmrU

— Manchester United Forever (@Utd_Forever7) April 8, 2024

Another reason is that Manchester United were without key defenders such as Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane for most of the season due to long term injuries.

The defensive duo played a few times together however they paired up for the final time in the FA Cup final and left the game with a trophy.

Now Varane announced at the end of the season he will be leaving Manchester United as free agent. The other centre back options are aging Jonny Evans whose contract has ran out at end of the season, but his performances would warrant a further year.

There are chances for Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof to leave this summer after hardly featuring last season because being classed as fourth and fifth choices in their position and searching for more game time.

Cashing on those mentioned players would free up space to purchase not only one but two defenders. Manchester United already bid £35 million for Jarrad Branthwaite which has been rejected by Everton.