Man Utd is negotiating the sale of a Bundesliga star, while a Premier League player could also be pursued. It a battle between the Red Devils and European heavyweight and Manchester United is about to bow out again..
Manchester United are reportedly in discussions to sign Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, while also pursuing Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite for the same defensive role. This update comes from The Athletic, which sheds light on United’s plans regarding De Ligt.
It has been disclosed that the Red Devils have made significant progress in their chase for the Dutch international De Ligt and his compatriot, Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.
According to The Athletic, De Ligt is not seen as a replacement for Branthwaite but rather as an additional, more affordable option on the market.
De Ligt, 24, has struggled to find his best form at Bayern Munich and Juventus. A reunion with his former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag at Manchester United might help him regain his form.
Given United’s need to strengthen their squad after a dismal season, which saw them deploy midfielder Casemiro in defense, it remains uncertain if De Ligt is the right fit for their current needs.
De Ligt has faced challenges in recent years, and it remains to be seen if he can meet the high expectations set during his time at Ajax.
United has not been the ideal environment for player development in recent years, with several high-profile signings such as Paul Pogba, Angel Di Maria, and Alexis Sanchez failing to make a significant impact since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
While Ten Hag’s familiarity with De Ligt might help the defender return to form, a rising young talent like Branthwaite might be a more promising option for United at this point.
