Manchester United are slowly preparing for another weekend of Premier League action. Another week goes by in which the Red Devils do not have any midweek match, so Erik Ten Hag and his players have plenty of time to prepare for their trip to Luton and the encounter at the Kenilworth Road. But until we get to that potential extending match-winning streak, there are rumours about United’s transfer business in the summer and this time it is about another two players who used to work with the Dutch manager. Here is what the media have been writing about.
Could Man United Sign Mathijs De Ligt?
Manchester United seem to be the favored destination should Matthijs de Ligt decide to depart Bayern Munich this summer, according to reports from Tutto Juve. The Dutch defender has seen limited playing time under Thomas Tuchel, with just nine starts in both the Bundesliga and Champions League combined. In a recent crucial match against Bayer Leverkusen, De Ligt remained on the bench as Bayern suffered a 3-0 defeat.
To make things worse, De Ligt finds himself behind Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, and surprisingly, Eric Dier in the pecking order, prompting speculation of a potential move elsewhere next season. This prospective move coincides with Man United’s anticipated search for a new central defender. With Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans likely departing upon contract expiration, Erik ten Hag’s options would narrow down to Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof. De Ligt is reportedly priced at £42.7 million. It’s no secret that Ten Hag often favors players he’s familiar with, whether from his Ajax tenure or earlier. Reuniting with De Ligt, who led Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals and domestic success at just 19, could be a strategic move for the manager. He has already signed Antony from Ajax, but now another former Ajax man could be on his way to Old Trafford.
De Jong Could Leave Barcelona And United Are Interested
That man is Frenkie de Jong who is currently playing for Barcelona and could be United’s big target in the summer once more. They have already tried to get the Dutchman, as the club experienced a setback in 2022 when they tabled a £70 million offer for De Jong. He ultimately chose to remain at Barcelona, expressing his desire to stay at Camp Nou, which back then was understandable. But now, the situation may have evolved since, with signs indicating De Jong could be more receptive to a transfer, given his growing dissatisfaction with both on and off-field matters. The situation at Barcelona is quite rocky in recent months, Xavi Hernandez will be leaving the club, so maybe there will be room for Man United. Chelsea is another Premier League side consistently linked with midfielder. Recent reports suggest that English clubs have been briefed on Barcelona’s valuation of the midfielder, set at £85 million according to Mundo Deportivo. It may be a tough ask for Man United to shell out so much on one player, but let’s see.
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