Why Manchester United avoid signing Matthijs de Ligt
According to The Mirror, Manchester United are considering a move for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt in the summer.
De Ligt, 20, came through the ranks of Ajax Amsterdam’s youth ranks and burst onto the scene in the 2016/17 season. He became a regular member of the squad since then and also led his side to the Champions League semi-finals last season. After an impressive time in Eredivisie, he earned a move to Juventus last summer but is yet to settle in Italy.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have done a decent job so far in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first full season in charge of the club. After a torrid start to the campaign, they have made their way to 5th position in the league standings.
The Red Devils have been unbeaten in the last 11 games across all competitions, scoring 29 goals and conceding only twice in the process. The arrival of Bruno Fernandes last January has seen the side take their game to the next level in terms of attacking.
At the same time, the defensive unit has been brilliant under the leadership of Harry Maguire. Solskjaer has good centre-backs at his disposal in Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe. While Maguire and the Swede have established a strong partnership, Bailly’s return to the team after a long lay-off has been a huge boost to the squad.
The Ivorian was at his best against Chelsea in the Premier League and Derby County in the FA Cup. And English international Luke Shaw has also been at his best whenever the manager had opted for a three-man central defence.
Solskjaer has managed to bring out the best from his defenders in the last few months, with summer signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams also playing their part in defence.
While all the established defenders have managed to work as a team, it would be a wise decision by the club to opt-out from signing De Ligt, who has struggled to fit into Maurizio Sarri’s style at the Allianz Stadium.
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Verdict
The young Dutchman would probably be a misfit at Old Trafford, especially because United’s centre-backs have formed a strong understanding and partnership between themselves. Therefore, United should keep their eyes off De Ligt in the summer and look to strengthen other areas on the pitch.
