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Alan Shearer has endorsed Manchester United’s move for Matthijs de Ligt despite the Bayern Munich defender failing to get in the Netherlands team at Euro 2024.
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has favoured a centre-back partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij during the Euros, meaning De Ligt is yet to feature in the tournament.
That has not stopped United from launching a move for the 24-year-old as they look to bolster Erik ten Hag’s defensive options this summer.
Manchester United are in the market for a new centre-back after Raphael Varane’s departure from Old Trafford and have made De Ligt their top target.
The Bayern star, who has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Premier League over the last five years, is keen on the move and has even agreed personal terms with United, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Ex-England striker Shearer insists ‘really good player’ De Ligt would be a ‘good signing’ for Manchester United and ‘suit’ the Premier League despite being overlooked during Euro 2024.
The Netherlands continue their impressive Euros campaign on Wednesday night, taking on Gareth Southgate’s England for a place in the final.
‘Matthijs de Ligt has been linked with a move to Old Trafford and I think he would be a good signing for Manchester United,’ Shearer told Betfair.
‘He’s a really good player – really solid. I know he can’t get in the Dutch team but he’d be a really good addition for Man United.
‘I like him a lot and I think his style of play would suit the Premier League.’
Liverpool legend Phil Thompson disagrees with Shearer’s assessment of De Ligt, however, and believes Manchester United should be looking closer to home for a new centre-back.
As well as targeting De Ligt, United have also expressed interest in signing Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, so far making two unsuccessful offers for the 22-year-old.
‘Matthijs de Ligt is a good player, but when I look at Manchester United, I feel like they need a player who knows the Premier League,’ Thompson told Paddy Power.
‘They had Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, and he didn’t work out, so if you have de Ligt coming into the side, he might take a little bit of time to settle, which is something that United can’t afford to do.
‘Jarrad Branthwaite is a top class player and he’s going to be a future England international. I think he’s a top player and if I was in Manchester United’s position, he would be someone I would go for.’
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