Addressing the centre-back place was one in all Manchester United’s prime targets within the switch window this summer season, following a 2023/24 Premier League marketing campaign that noticed the membership end with a destructive objective distinction for the primary time since 1990.
Erik ten Hag’s facet had been ready to herald big-money centre-backs, with 18-year-old Leny Yoro becoming a member of from Lille, whereas the Purple Devils boss was capable of reunite together with his former Ajax star Matthijs de Gentle, who signed in a £42million transfer from Bayern Munich.
The Dutch worldwide has featured in all 4 of Manchester United’s Premier League matches thus far this season and scored his first objective for the membership in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Southampton.
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His arrival got here after Bayern Munich followers protested the choice to promote him, with a petition being raised, arguing that his potential and management qualities meant they believed the membership had been making a big error in letting him go.
Nonetheless, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl has now defended the choice to promote him, arguing that the 25-year-old struggles to defend increased up the pitch.
“I adopted it, together with the petition,” Eberl informed a press convention, as per the Mirror. “I do know that many followers determine with him.
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Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United poise after finishing their strikes to Manchester United (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
“Nonetheless, I needed to make this choice as a result of we additionally needed to promote gamers. We felt extra comfy with Upamecano and Kim as a result of they will defend increased up the pitch. After which a proposal got here in for de Ligt.”
Whereas this will concern Manchester United followers, they will level to the truth that Ten Hag has labored with the previous Juventus man prior to now, plus the impression that De Ligt left with the Bayern supporters.
“All of us need Matthijs de Ligt to remain at FC Bayern Munich!”, they wrote of their petition protesting his sale. He has confirmed that he‘s a world class defender, most likely one of the best in our squad.
Matthijs de Ligt and Erik ten Hag at Ajax in 2018. (Picture credit score: Getty Photos)
“Promoting Matthijs de Ligt could be a completely horrible choice and we’d positively remorse it. That‘s why we use our voice to name consideration that we’ll NOT make this error!”
Ten Hag and the Previous Trafford devoted can be hoping that this weekend’s clear sheet and a primary objective from the Dutchman will present that he beginning to settle in, as they watch for Yoro to get better from his damaged foot to type a partnership that may be on the coronary heart of this summer season’s first steps to rebuilding their facet.
