‘Understanding in place’: United ‘willing’ to meet club’s demands to get first transfer over the line

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Matthijs de Ligt over a five-year contract at Old Trafford.

As it stands, it’s looking as though the Dutchman could well be United’s first signing of the summer window and, therefore, their first-ever of the INEOS era.

Bayern Munich are willing to sanction De Ligt’s exit due to the host of options they’ll have in central defence next season. Already, they have the likes of Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae and Eric Dier battling for starting roles and have just welcomed Hiroki Ito to the Allianz after acquiring him from Stuttgart.

They’re looking to poach another centre-back from rivals Leverkusen, too, in the form of stalwart Jonathan Tah, who’s currently on international duty with Germany at the Euros.

With that in mind, you can’t blame De Ligt, 24, for wanting to embark on a new venture elsewhere. At this stage of his career, starting week in, week out is essential, and it’s something he’s unlikely to do if he opts to stay in the Bundesliga next season.

Read more: Why United have upper-hand over Euro giants in pursuit of ‘top jewel’ youngster after ‘transfer attack’

De Ligt will be met by familiar faces at Carrington

Instead, he could reunite with his former coach Erik ten Hag and ex-Ajax teammates Andre Onana, Antony and Lisandro Martinez. Back in 2019, De Ligt established himself as one of Europe’s hottest and most sought-after prospects after captaining the Eredivisie outfit to the Champions League semi-finals and a domestic double at just 19 years old – so it’s no wonder why Ten Hag is adamant about working with his protegee again.

Transfer reporter Rudy Galetti shared an update this morning claiming that there was now an ‘understanding in place’ between both parties, with United ‘willing’ to fork out and meet Bayern’s fee demands to ensure they get the deal over the line.