United join race for Matthijs de Ligt: Where’s the best fit?
Manchester United: Familiar faces enough to steer De Ligt up North?
A crucial element that could sway the 22-year-old in Manchester United’s favour is their new Head Coach, Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag managed Matthijs De Ligt and contributed to the player’s exceptional performances across his successful years at Ajax. The two both hold their former club close to their hearts and have both spoken fondly of their history and all that they achieved as a team in Amsterdam.
It appears as though Ten Hag wants to reunite some of the star players of that historic 18/19 season as midfielder Frenkie de Jong is in prime place on his list of transfer targets.
Talks are ongoing for the Barcelona playmaker and if a deal was to be agreed, De Ligt would relish the chance to reunite on the field with his international teammate and close friend – especially as their manager seeks to revive one of the most successful clubs in the world and recreate his success at Ajax with a youthful, creative squad at his disposal.
Similarly, Donny van de Beek is awaiting the chance to make a name for himself like he did at Ajax, an opportunity that has been hard to come by given his lack of game time since joining the English side.
It is reported that Ten Hag may look to complete the reunion of his Ajax trifecta, with Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport, as quoted by Sport Witness, stating the North West side are ‘ready to forcefully enter the scene’.
De Ligt to displace Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane?
However, a concern for De Ligt when considering the Red Devils may be playing time. United currently have an array of centre-backs listed in the first-team squad and whilst some may depart before the season begins, it’s unlikely that Ten Hag will let the likes of current captain Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof leave this summer.
If De Ligt was to sign, it’s improbable that he will take Varane’s place in the starting eleven, given that he’s a four-time Champions League winner and considerably more experienced than the youngster.
The French international has however struggled with fitness since moving to England and missed an array of games across his first season in red.
Harry Maguire is an ongoing talking point in United’s squad, questions of whether or not he’ll remain club captain have been ongoing since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left the club and fans awaited a permanent manager appointment.
Many supporters are divided on their opinions of the Englishman and some argue that he’s never performed up to his £80m price tag and if anything has been consistently poor since joining the club in 2019.
On the other hand, Maguire has been the only United player representing England in the recent international meet-ups, and his national team manager Gareth Southgate has openly backed the defender as being one of his most consistent and reliable choices in defence.
Could the Dutch connection be the factor that forces Ten Hag to actively push for a deal, and promise De Ligt a cemented place in the starting lineup?
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Ultimately, if De Ligt is adamant about a transfer, he will be well aware of the rumours circulating and weighing up his options. Juventus will do everything possible to try and cling onto their man but if more tempting offers are on the table, it could be time to say arrivederci to Turin.