Over 71000 Bayern Munich fans sign petition against club's decision amid Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United - Reports

Over 71,000 Bayern Munich fans have signed a petition against the club's reported decision to sell Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United this summer. According to a report from MufcMPB on X, the petition racked up over 71,000 signatures after being started on June 11.

This comes amidst consistent rumors and reports that Manchester United have been pursuing the Bayern Munich defender. More recent reports have revealed that a deal has been agreed upon by all parties. The Red Devils are set to pay €50 million, according to Sky Sports, with an initial €45 million upfront.

According to the report, De Ligt looks set to visit Carrington in due course to do his medicals and finalize his new contract. It is believed that both United and De Ligt have agreed to the terms of his deal, with the contract not being much of a problem for either side.

This would mark a reunion between De Ligt and former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, as the duo was at Ajax in 2019 when they won the Eredivisie. The years have gone by, with the defender making the switch to Juventus and eventually Bayern Munich. Ten Hag has been handed the job to lead Manchester United back to glory, and signing De Ligt may help.

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Manchester United legend concerned about Matthijs de Ligt's injury record

Bayern Munich fans are not the only ones unhappy with Matthijs de Ligt's potential move to Manchester United. Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand has also raised concerns about the club's decision to pursue the Dutch center-back.

United look all but set to sign De Ligt ahead of their Premier League opening game against Fulham this coming weekend. With Raphael Varane leaving the club and consistent injuries to defenders, defensive reinforcements are needed.

This saw the club sign Leny Yoro, but the talented defender has already picked up an injury and will be out of contention for the foreseeable future. While De Ligt is likely set to secure a starting spot in Ten Hag's defensive backline, Rio Ferdinand is not too impressed with the 24-year-old. He questioned the decision to sign him, raising concerns regarding his injury history (via GiveMeSport):

"He's had a lot of injuries, hasn't started many games over the last two or three years and Man United are spending £45-50 million on him. Is he going to come into Man United and make a difference? I think it's a big ask for him and all eyes are going to be on him."

Matthijs de Ligt will be hoping to stay fit and impress on the pitch for Manchester United this season. He notably missed 20 games for Bayern Munich last season, but he'll hope that a change in environment helps improve his fitness issues before the season starts in England.