Bayern Director Explains Matthijs de Ligt’s Departure to Manchester United: Style Clash Led to £42.9m Transfer
Bayern Munich’s director Max Eberl has shed light on the club’s decision to part ways with Matthijs de Ligt, who joined Manchester United in a summer deal worth up to £42.9 million.
De Ligt, who lost his place in Bayern’s starting lineup under new manager Vincent Kompany, found himself behind Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae in the pecking order.
Eberl explained that the club’s aggressive defensive style was better suited to Upamecano and Kim, which influenced their decision to accept United’s offer for the Dutch defender.
Despite a fan petition urging Bayern to keep de Ligt, Eberl stated that the club had to make difficult decisions regarding player sales, and the offer for de Ligt made sense in the context of the squad’s tactical needs.
He said: “We felt more comfortable with Upamecano and Kim because they can defend higher up the pitch.”
De Ligt has since made his mark at United, scoring his first goal for the club in a 3-0 victory over Southampton, helping boost his confidence after a difficult international break filled with some costly mistakes.
United manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged that de Ligt is still not at peak fitness, but praised his performance and expressed optimism about his future.
Ten Hag said: “He needs the games to go up to it. We are happy with him and especially today with his game.”
