Is Matthijs de Ligt the right fit for Manchester United?
It is looking increasingly likely that Matthijs de Ligt will join the Red Devils this summer, but is he the right fit for United?
In 2019, the then-Dutch sensation made a big money move ( £65 million) to Italian giants Juventus, having made his name for Erik Ten Hag’s Ajax team. After 3 years at the Old Lady, largely unsatisfactory, de Ligt moved to Bayern Munich for a similar fee to his prior move. Immediately, for Manchester United, concerns should be raised over these two failed moves. Whilst it could be argued de Ligt has seen success at these two clubs winning both domestic league trophies, the short-stint nature of the employment provides reason to be wary.
How Would De Ligt Fit?
As a right-footed centre-back, Matthijs could replace Raphael Varane as Lisandro Martinez’s partner. The Ex-Ajax man does not have pace in abundance, yet his defensive positional sense and tactical nous of an Erik Ten Hag system could make up for that. With the transfer of Jarrad Branthwaite in the works, De Ligt would provide strong defensive depth for the Red Devils in the event of another injury-stricken season. With Onana in goal and Martinez and de Ligt at centre-back, all of whom have played under Ten Hag at Ajax, could De Ligt be the missing piece of the puzzle to allow Ten Hag to play the Ajax way at United?
As per whoscored.com, the 24-year-old’s key strengths include his progressive passing and aerial duels, which fit an Erik Ten Hag system. Criticisms of de Ligt’s predecessor, Raphael Varane, came due to his weakness on the ball, hence, the Dutchman may solve this issue. With a 93.1% pass accuracy per 90 minutes, de Ligt is placed in the 96th percentile vs. centre backs in the top 5 European leagues. Slight weaknesses include de Ligt’s 1.11 tackles per 90, placing him in the 19th percentile. Similarly, the 1.02 blocks per 90 place the centre back in the 20th percentile. If Manchester United can dominate possession, deploying a high line, de Ligt can be an effective addition and partner to Lisandro Martinez. However, if the Red Devils allow the same level of defensive exposure as last season, the Dutch centre back’s weaknesses could come to light.
It is feasible to suggest that de Ligt may have gained an unfairly high reputation after his success at AFC Ajax. Consequently, the high pressure and adaptation to a new league may have been factors in de Ligt’s disappointing spell in Serie A. The centre half’s key strengths in theory should suit the slow, possession based Serie A style of play, however, in reality, mitigating circumstances can prevent success.
The move from Juventus to Bayern Munich may have further unsettled the player, hindering its success. Despite this, there has been a social media outcry from Bayern fans to keep the Dutchman, perhaps revealing positive signs for Manchester United fans. Most significantly, the stark contrast between the quality of opposition in the Bundesliga and Serie A compared with the Eredivisie may certainly be held accountable for the failure of de Ligt’s transfers.
The Transfer
A deal between Manchester United and Bayern Munich is becoming increasingly close. Personal terms, including a wage cut and a 5 year contract, were all but agreed. Whilst Manchester United are pushing for a fee in the lower bounds of the £40 million zone, Bayern are pushing for a higher fee. It is highly likely, due to Matthijs’ desire for a Manchester move, that a fee will soon be agreed between the European giants.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Lenny Yoro are among the other centre backs that Manchester United are chasing. De Ligt appears to be the primary target. Yoro and Branthwaite provide potential with their younger age; in comparison, De Ligt at 24 will provide a higher sense of experience and leadership. It appears highly likely that two centre backs will be bound for the red side of Manchester this summer, and with De Ligt nailed on, it remains to be seen for certain who will join him at Old Trafford.
Overall, Matthijs de Ligt would be an immense signing for Manchester United. Is it guaranteed to succeed? no. Despite this, the £42 million fee being projected leaves a small level of risk with the signing.
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