Ten Hag gets approval to sign Matthijs de Ligt but there could be a stumbling block
According to Manchester Evening News, Rene Meulensteen believes Matthijs de Ligt would be a good fit for Manchester United and the Premier League but has cautioned that he might not excel in ball-playing situations.
The Bayern Munich defender has been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, with personal terms reportedly agreed upon. However, United and Bayern have not yet settled on a transfer fee, and United’s need for centre-back reinforcements has increased following Leny Yoro’s serious injury during pre-season.
United are considering signing up to three new centre-backs this summer, especially after Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala departed. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is among those linked, though United’s two bids for him have been rejected.
“Matthijs de Ligt can reach his potential in the Premier League; he is a player who suits the division,” Meulensteen told Teamtalk.
“He is strong, powerful, and it’s advantageous that Erik ten Hag knows him. De Ligt was outstanding at Ajax when Ten Hag was there, and he was one of the best players in Holland.
“I think his move to Juventus didn’t quite work out, and his career has stalled at Bayern Munich, possibly because they may doubt his ball-playing skills. But United need strengthening, and he would improve their centre-back options.”
Meulensteen’s remarks about De Ligt’s ball-playing skills could be concerning, given Erik ten Hag’s preference for a playing style that emphasizes passing from the back. However, De Ligt’s successful tenure with Ten Hag at Ajax, where they reached the Champions League semi-finals and won multiple Eredivisie titles, demonstrates his capability. His experience in playing from the back, honed in Ajax’s youth system, should alleviate concerns about his ball-playing abilities.
Image via: David Dixon/Geograph. CC BY-SA 2.0. OTF Logo added.
It doesn’t look like Man United will be signing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad this summer.
Manchester United have now been linked with several midfielders over the last few days. It feels like the Old Trafford side is now looking to upgrade that area of the field.
The Red Devils’ attention was firmly fixated on signing Manuel Ugarte, though a move for the man from Uruguay seems to have halted due to PSG’s high asking price.
An alternative name thrown into the mix last week was Martin Zubimendi. The man from Real Sociedad showed his class in the European Championship final, replacing Rodri for the second half and putting in a top tier performance.
However, United have been dealt a blow in pursuit of the 25-year-old, with HITC sharing the latest on the Spaniard’s future.
They state that the player has ‘made it clear’ he is not looking to leave Real Sociedad this summer, with both United and Liverpool set to miss out on Zubimendi.
This would have been an unreal piece of business if United were to have pulled this one off. Sadly, it’s not meant to be. To Zubimendi’s credit, he’s happy with life in Sociedad and he’s prepared to remain at the club for the next twelve months. With big money likely being thrown at him, that’s not an easy commitment to make.
United will now have to continue to look at alternative options for that defensive midfield role and no doubt Sofyan Amrabat is feeling a little better about his chances of moving back to Old Trafford this summer as a result of this latest news.
With time running out somewhat quickly, United may have to act fast.
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