Summary:

• Manchester United is in advanced talks to sign Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, a top priority under new football operations chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Erik ten Hag, a long-time admirer, is keen on reuniting with de Ligt, who he coached at Ajax. Despite injury setbacks, de Ligt remains highly rated, with Dutch teammates Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake praising his abilities.

Manchester United’s potential summer coup could send shockwaves through the Premier League, with Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake set to be on high alert. Under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United is aggressively pursuing top-tier talent to bolster their squad. Among their prime targets is Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, a defender who has already earned high praise from his Dutch compatriots.

United’s new football operations chief, Ratcliffe, is prioritizing a strong centre-back, and talks are reportedly underway with Bayern Munich for the 24-year-old de Ligt. Sky Sports Germany indicates that Erik ten Hag, who coached de Ligt at Ajax, remains an avid admirer of the player. De Ligt’s move to Bayern Munich from Juventus cost around £68 million two years ago, and Bayern seems open to a sale for the right price.

De Ligt, currently representing the Netherlands at Euro 2024, is regarded as one of Europe’s top defenders. Van Dijk previously lauded his potential, stating, “He’s obviously an excellent defender, that’s clear. He can still improve a lot and he realizes that, but playing like he does at that age is fantastic.”

Manchester City’s Nathan Ake also compared de Ligt to Van Dijk, highlighting his young compatriot’s rapid development and consistent performances. “De Ligt is still so young but he has played so many games in top-flight football and for the Dutch national team. It’s amazing what he is doing at the moment,” Ake remarked.

United’s interest in de Ligt, despite his limited appearances in Germany due to injuries, underscores their determination to build a robust defense. De Ligt featured in 30 matches for Bayern last season and remains a highly regarded talent.

Additionally, United is reportedly exploring deals for other key players, including Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, and Jarrad Branthwaite, as they aim to strengthen their squad across various positions.

The potential arrival of de Ligt could signal a significant shift in the Premier League’s defensive landscape, making United a formidable opponent in the coming season.