"I wanted to sign him two years ago" - Erik ten Hag confirms Manchester United are in talks to sign £42 million-rated defender

Erik ten Hag has admitted that he wants to sign Matthijs de Ligt at Manchester United. The manager added that he wanted to sign the Dutchman two years ago, but could not get it over the line.

Speaking to Netherlands' newspaper AD Sportwereld via Metro, Ten Hag stated that De Ligt had already committed to the move to Bayern Munich when he initially wanted to sign the Dutchman at Manchester United. He wishes that the former Ajax star join the Old Trafford side this summer.

Erik ten Hag said:

"It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come. I know Matthijs well and I will not deny that. 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]."

Manchester United are in talks with Bayern Munich to sign De Ligt this summer. The reports suggest the two sides are close to agreeing a £42 million deal for the defender.

The 24-year-old made 30 appearances in the 2023-24 season and registered two goals and one assist.

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Erik ten Hag reveals who decides Manchester United transfer targets

Erik ten Hag was quizzed about who decides Manchester United – the scouting department, the recruitment team, or the manager. The Dutchman was quick to state that all parties sit and decide on the targets.

Ten Hag said to the aforementioned report:

"I support these decisions, let that be clear. We still make these choices together. I know it creates a certain image, of course I understand how that works, but eventually, our criterion will prevail above everything else – is the player good or not? Is he the right character? Does he fit the age and quality bracket we are looking for?"

"I understand when you do not win, the media maligns you and there is a bad image, but it [nationality] is irrelevant, whether he is from the Netherlands, Sweden, or France. It is just like the colour of hair the player has. It does not matter what the outside world thinks. We make decisions together and we jointly arrive at the best possible selection. I firmly believe we are moving in the right direction," he added.

Manchester United have signed Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro this summer. They are also in talks with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Manuel Ugarte, while they retain interest in Jarrad Branthwaite.