July 4th 2024.
Matthijs de Ligt, the talented Dutch defender, has been making headlines lately as he is currently playing for the Netherlands at Euro 2024. However, some people are advising against a potential reunion between him and his former coach at Ajax, Erik ten Hag. According to two Manchester United legends, it would be best for Ten Hag to steer clear of signing De Ligt for the Red Devils.
Ten Hag, who recently signed a new contract with Manchester United, is busy working on summer transfers with his new backroom team at Old Trafford. One of their top priorities is to sign a new centre-back, especially with the departure of Raphael Varane and uncertainty surrounding the futures of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof. De Ligt has emerged as a top target for United, with reports claiming that the club is in talks with Bayern Munich for a £42 million transfer. The 24-year-old defender rose to prominence under Ten Hag at Ajax before moving on to Juventus and then Bayern, but he has struggled to live up to the expectations of his hefty price tag.
Former United defender Mikael Silvestre expressed his doubts about De Ligt's development since leaving Ajax, stating that he has not played much at his new clubs. He also questioned whether De Ligt would be the number one choice for Manchester United's defense, considering the current issues they are facing. Another former Red Devils striker, Teddy Sheringham, also shared his opinion, highlighting the need for experienced leaders in the team. He believes United should prioritize signing players with Premier League experience, rather than going for De Ligt.
One potential option for United is Jarrad Branthwaite, the young centre-back from Everton. However, the club is not willing to pay the hefty £70 million asking price for him. Silvestre believes that Branthwaite is a good player and could be an option for the future, but he is overpriced at the moment. He also pointed out that Branthwaite is not even a part of the England squad for Euro 2024, which makes the asking price unreasonable.
In conclusion, while De Ligt is a talented player, it may not be the best move for him to reunite with Ten Hag at Manchester United. The club should instead focus on signing experienced players to strengthen their defense. As for Branthwaite, he may be a good option for the future, but the asking price is too high for his current level of experience. Only time will tell which direction Manchester United will take in their pursuit of a new centre-back.
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