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Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on Matthijs de Ligt's situation at Bayern Munich. Erik ten Hag knows the Dutch defender well, having overseen his development at Ajax.
Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg reports that Ten Hag remains a big fan of De Ligt. He coached the young centre-back for two years at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The former Ajax star will be allowed to leave Bayern this summer if a suitable offer is made.
De Ligt, 24, fell down Thomas Tuchel's pecking order at the Allianz Arena last summer. He started 16 of 22 Bundesliga games, helping the Bavarians keep seven clean sheets while chipping in with two goals.
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Vincent Kompany has since replaced Tuchel, but Bayern are prepared to part ways with the 45-cap Netherlands international. He has three years left on his contract, but the Bundesliga giants have swooped for VfB Stuttgart's Hiroki Ito. Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah is also on their radar as they undergo a rebuild.
Manchester United have been linked with De Ligt for several years, but missed out on his signature in 2019. He opted to join Juventus from Ajax after leaving Ten Hag's Eredivisie champions, where he flourished under the Dutch tactician's guidance.
De Ligt still holds Ten Hag in high regard as he spoke glowingly of his former manager years ago. He backed him to succeed at Old Trafford after he got the job in July 2022.
Ten Hag wants a new centre-back this summer, with Raphael Varane leaving Manchester United when his contract expires on June 30. De Ligt fits the profile with his strength, height, and composure on the ball.
"I like Matthijs very much" - Manchester United icon Jaap Stam is a fan of De Ligt
Jaap Stam could be the man Manchester United should speak to regarding a move for De Ligt. He worked with the Bayern defender during his youth days and felt he was always stronger than the senior players.
The iconic former Red Devils defender knows what it takes to become a top centre-back at Old Trafford. The Dutchman waxed lyrical in an interview with Sky Sport in 2022:
"I like Matthijs very much. When I was working in Ajax’s U23, he played in the U19 and he came to my team to train. I’ve always said that even at 16, that he was already stronger than the senior players. And now he has improved a lot."
De Ligt has impressed on the international stage, appearing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2020. He'll remain in Germany for this summer's Euro 2024.
Stam touched on his adaption to life at Juve after leaving Ajax:
"While he did well in the Netherlands, we wondered if he would manage to break through at Juventus too and he did very well in that regard."
De Ligt enjoyed a meteoric rise under Ten Hag at the Johan Cruyff Arena, becoming one of the most formidable young defenders in the world. He made 70 appearances under his fellow countryman, captaining Ajax to the Eredivisie title and the UEFA Champions League semifinals in 2019.
