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Tom OlverPublished Mar 5, 2024, 9:14am|Updated Mar 5, 2024, 9:15am
Matthijs de Ligt has distanced himself from speculation of a possible move to Manchester United in the summer, insisting he is ‘very happy’ at Bayern Munich and ‘not thinking’ about the future.
De Ligt joined Bayern from Juventus in an deal worth around £65million in 2022 after winning the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana across his three years in Turin.
However, a combination of form and fitness problems has seen De Ligt drop down the pecking order at the Allianz Arena and recent reports emanating from Germany suggested the central defender could be deemed surplus to requirements.
Erik ten Hag attempted to bring De Ligt – who he previously managed at Ajax – to Old Trafford following his arrival in 2022, only for the Dutchman to join Bayern – and it’s believed United could ramp up their pursuit again at the end of the season.
United are preparing to overhaul their defensive options in the summer transfer window in the wake of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.3billion partial takeover and De Ligt has been identified as a top target at centre-back, along with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo.
Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane and former club captain Harry Maguire all face uncertain futures in Manchester and could be moved on should United find suitable replacements.
However, it appears the Red Devils may be forced to consider alternatives to De Ligt, with the Netherlands international not even considering a summer switch for the time being.
‘I’m not thinking about that now. I’m very happy at Bayern Munich,’ De Ligt told reporters when asked about his future.
‘Of course I haven’t had an easy season so far. I was injured for a long time.
‘But at the moment I feel good and am fit, I want to play.’
De Ligt – who is tied into a deal at Bayern until 2027 – was speaking to the media ahead of the second leg of Bayern’s all-important Champions League round of 16 clash with Lazio at the Allianz Arena.
Lazio striker Ciro Immobile scored a 69th-minute penalty after Dayot Upamecano’s sending off at the Stadio Olimpico to give the Serie A giants a 1-0 lead in the tie.
Thomas Tuchel introduced De Ligt shortly after Immobile’s spot-kick and the former Ajax man started Bayern’s next two league games against Bochum and RB Leipzig before missing out at Freiburg through suspension.
Speaking to Betfred in January, Andy Cole warned United against signing another of Ten Hag’s former players as the club were rumoured to be pursuing a deal for De Ligt.
Asked if he was concerned about the rumours, the ex-United and England striker replied: ‘Yes it would because if he’s had tough times at both Juventus and Bayern Munich, then how can you suggest that he will be a success at Manchester United?
‘Matthijs is another player that’s played for Erik ten Hag and the majority of signings that Erik’s made during his time at the club have been players that he’s managed previously.
‘The Premier League is a totally different league and the ocean is very, very big when it comes to players.
‘How many other managers in the Premier League have the same approach to transfers? Especially at the top, top level.
‘This is probably why there’s speculation suggesting that INEOS are going to restrict his influence over transfers. I think it’s a good thing to be fair because Manchester United can now cast their net wider.’
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