“He exhibits a robust playing style reminiscent of a ‘Butcher’ and could emerge as a significant successor to Raphael Varane, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the season.” This is positive news for Manchester United, as the £68 million target, Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, is reportedly experiencing strained relations with his current coach and expresses a strong desire to join Manchester United.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt has gained momentum, with the Dutch international facing issues with his current manager, Thomas Tuchel, at Bayern Munich. As United seeks defensive reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window, the likelihood of De Ligt considering a permanent move away from the Allianz Arena has increased. However, securing Champions League qualification may play a pivotal role in United’s efforts to sign the 24-year-old center-back.
In September, reports suggest that De Ligt abruptly left the stadium without communication after Bayern secured a 4-3 victory over Manchester United in the Champions League group stage.
Despite being a crucial part of Tuchel’s starting lineup when fit, De Ligt recently returned from an injury that kept him sidelined for over a month. Both De Ligt and fellow center-back Dayot Upamecano were absent from training during Bayern’s winter training camp due to ongoing injury concerns.
This situation may create an opportunity for Eric Dier, on loan from Tottenham, to unexpectedly start for Bayern in their upcoming Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen.