‘Shaped the early stages of my career’: United fans will love De Ligt’s first words after transfer confirmation

Manchester United have tonight confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt has signed from Bayern Munich on a five-year deal, plus the option of an additional season.

Better late than never, right?

Welkom, Matthijs! 🤝

We are delighted to announce the signing of @MdeLigt_04 from Bayern Munich ✍️ #MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 13, 2024

The Red Devils were among a host of clubs targeting De Ligt after his emphatic career trajectory at Ajax, which saw him become the youngest defender to win the Golden Boy award in 2018 at 19 years of age.

One of the most standout campaigns of his senior career came in 2018/2019 when he captained the Amsterdam outfit to a domestic double and the Champions League semi-finals under Erik ten Hag, whom he is now overjoyed to be reuniting with.

“Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me, and I cannot wait to work with him again,” the centre-half told club media.

Read more: ‘Press-resistant’ United whiz hands in transfer request after playing sporadic role under Erik ten Hag

Reds welcome third signing of the summer

De Ligt, 25, said his goodbyes to the Bayern faithful and the club’s staff earlier today ahead of United announcing his arrival tonight. The transfer fee is said to be £42.8 million in total: £38.5m upfront and £4.3m in add-ons.

Noussair Mazraoui has also completed his medical and signed a five-year deal at the same time as his former Ajax counterpart.