Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer, seeking a reunion with the player he previously coached at Ajax. Reports from Germany suggest that ten Hag, recently confirmed to continue at Old Trafford, is highly interested in the Dutch defender. United are keeping a close watch on de Ligt, whose future at Bayern appears uncertain.
De Ligt is currently with the Netherlands national team, competing in Euro 2024, though he did not play in their 2-1 victory over Poland. Despite his current focus on the tournament, he has not yet spoken to Bayern’s new manager, Vincent Kompany, amidst speculation linking Bayern with defenders like Jonathan Tah and Levi Colwill. De Ligt commented, “I haven’t spoken to the new coach yet. But that’s normal during the European Championship. We’re playing the European Championship now, that’s the most important thing, that’s where I’m fully focused.”
Bayern Munich is open to letting de Ligt leave if they receive a suitable offer. United are also interested in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, though their initial bid was rejected. Everton is firm on not letting the 21-year-old leave cheaply, which may lead United to consider other options.
Ten Hag has asserted his control over transfer decisions after being reassured by Sir Jim Ratcliffe during a meeting in Ibiza that he would not be sacked. He emphasized the importance of maintaining his role in identifying transfer targets and shaping the team’s style of play, a condition he insisted on when he first joined United.
With ten Hag’s contract set to expire at the end of next season, United are reportedly preparing to offer him a new deal. His position has been strengthened by the club’s decision to stick with him following discussions with other high-profile managers, including Thomas Tuchel.
