Manchester United Seek Defensive Reinforcements Amid Uncertainty
After conceding an alarming 85 goals in all competitions last season, Manchester United are urgently focusing on fortifying their shaky defence as a top priority this summer.
Following the departure of Raphael Varane and uncertainties surrounding the futures of Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, and Jonny Evans, who has only a few days left on his contract, the need for defensive reinforcements has become critical.
Defensive Shake-up at Old Trafford
The club’s quest to find a long-term defensive partner for Lisandro Martinez has faced significant hurdles. Manchester United’s approaches for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite have been unsuccessful, and attempts to secure Marc Guehi, Leny Yoro, and Jean-Clair Todibo have also hit substantial roadblocks.
This situation has led the club to consider revisiting an old favorite of manager Erik ten Hag: Matthijs de Ligt.
Erik ten Hag’s Familiar Faces
Since taking the helm at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag has shown a preference for reuniting with players he has previously coached, such as Lisandro Martinez, Antony, and Andre Onana. Now, Ten Hag is reportedly keen on bringing another of his former Ajax stars to Old Trafford, Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt: A Potential Solution
According to Bundesliga transfer expert Christian Falk in his CaughtOffside column, Bayern Munich are open to selling De Ligt to fund new acquisitions. Despite Bayern’s initial purchase of the Dutch defender for €70 million plus add-ons, they have now set a similar asking price for his transfer.
However, Manchester United are reportedly willing to pay only half of this amount, around €35 million. The outcome of these negotiations will depend on whether new Bayern coach Vincent Kompany is willing to accept these terms.
“FC Bayern have to sell players in order to be able to continue purchasing. Erik ten Hag, who is currently negotiating a contract extension with Manchester United, would like to bring in Matthijs de Ligt. Bayern want up to €70m, but Manchester United should only want to pay half. The new coach Vincent Kompany wants to rely on other players in defence.” – Christian Falk, CaughtOffside
A Mixed Tenure at Bayern
De Ligt’s tenure at Bayern Munich has been a mixed one. While he played a pivotal role in their Bundesliga triumph two seasons ago, he struggled for consistent playing time last season. With Bayern actively seeking new defensive options, De Ligt appears more open to a move and a reunion with Ten Hag.
The Ajax Connection
The defensive pairing of De Ligt and Martinez proved highly effective during their time together at Ajax, and Ten Hag is hopeful that they can replicate this success at Manchester United. With the backing of INEOS, the Red Devils aim to bolster their defensive ranks significantly.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s defensive overhaul is a critical component of their summer transfer strategy. As they navigate the complexities of securing top talent like Matthijs de Ligt, the club is determined to address the defensive frailties that plagued their previous campaign. The outcome of these negotiations will be pivotal in shaping United’s prospects for the upcoming season.
Manchester United Seek Defensive Reinforcements Amid Uncertainty
