Erik ten Hag unsure if Matthijs de Ligt will make Man Utd move
- Planet Sport writer
- 20 July 2024
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has cast doubt on whether a deal for Matthijs de Ligt will materialise, despite the club having already agreed on personal terms.
The uncertainty continues over whether a transfer fee with Bayern Munich will be finalised, especially in light of United's recent acquisition of Leny Yoro for £59million.
"It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come. I know Matthijs well and I will not deny that," Ten Hag told AD Sportwereld.
"I wanted to sign him two years ago but at that time he was already very far along to join Bayern Munich but believe it or not, his name did not come from me in the process [at United]."
De Ligt, who previously played under Ten Hag at Ajax, where he featured in 70 matches, could be the latest addition to Ten Hag's roster of former players.
The manager had expressed interest in recruiting the Dutch defender two years ago when he was at Juventus, but lost out to Bayern Munich in that pursuit.
Despite Ten Hag's insistence that he has influence over United's signings, he has faced criticism for frequently bringing in players he has previously managed.
If De Ligt joins, he would become the fifth former player signed under Ten Hag, joining Lisandro Martinez, Antony, Andre Onana, and Sofyan Amrabat.
In addition to these former players, three other signings under Ten Hag - Tyrell Malacia, Joshua Zirkzee, and ex-loanee Wout Weghorst - are Dutch. This reflects a trend where a third of Ten Hag's 18 arrivals have been Eredivisie players.
