'I know him well': Ten Hag confirms Man Utd transfer chase of £55m star
Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Manchester United are eyeing a move for Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
Man United have been linked with several Dutch players over the last couple of years since the arrival of Ten Hag.
The Red Devils made Netherlands international Joshua Zirkzee their first signing this summer.
Ten Hag told AD Sportwereld (via The Athletic): “It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come. I know Matthijs well and I will not deny that.
“I wanted to sign him two years ago. But, at that time, he was already very far along to join Bayern Munich but his name did not come from me in the process (of targeting signings).
“But of course, I support these decisions, let that be clear. We still make these choices together.
“I know it creates a certain image, ofcourse I understand how that works, but eventually, our criterion will prevail above everything else: is the player good or not? Is he the right character? Does he fit the age and quality bracket we are looking for?
“I understand when you do not win, the media maligns you and there is a bad image, but it (nationality) is irrelevant – whether he is from the Netherlands, Sweden or France.
“It is just like the colour of hair the player has. It does not matter what the outside world thinks.
“We make decisions together, and we jointly arrive at the best possible selection. I firmly believe we are moving in the right direction.”
De Ligt could join Man United later this summer
The pattern of transfer signings and target list shows that Ten Hag likes to work with Dutch players.
His first signing at United was Tyrell Malacia. Wout Weghorst came to Old Trafford for a brief loan spell.
The Red Devils’ persistent pursuit of Frenkie de Jong over the past two years highlights Ten Hag’s desire to reunite with the Dutch midfielder.
The arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake to bolster the first-team coaching staff shows the United manager is keen on building a solid Dutch contingent at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag insists he did not force the club to pursue De Ligt’s transfer. However, adding the Netherlands defender will boost the United’s defence.
The £55 million-rated star is a quality centre-back known for his exceptional defensive skills and tactical intelligence.
He rose to prominence during his stay at Ajax under Ten Hag before securing a move to Juventus in 2019.
United have made waves by signing young sensation Leny Yoro earlier this week. They maintain an interest in signing De Ligt but must generate funds through player sales.
The potential departures of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire could be pivotal in United’s pursuit of De Ligt.
Offloading one or both players would free up significant funds and create space in the squad.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.