It’s been some time coming but Manchester United have officially announced the signing of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. The talented 24-year-old defender joins the Red Devils on an initial €45m plus €5m add-ons fee.
Once regarded as the biggest centre-back prospect in European football, the Dutchman was Ajax’s captain at the age of 19, incidentally under Erik ten Hag. De Ligt’s career since then however has been a bit of a hit-and-miss.
The talented centre-back has had his moments at both Juventus and Bayern Munich. No one is questioning his ability to command a backline but it is his consistency that has been lacking. Despite all this, Man Utd have decided to take a punt on him.
A reunion with a manager he knows well could help bring the best out of De Ligt. Erik ten Hag knows all about the 24-year-old’s game and the Dutch international is likely to walk into the XI. So, how could Man Utd’s team look with Matthijs de Ligt in it?
In goal, Erik ten Hag will continue with Andre Onana. The Cameroonian international will be happy to see yet another familiar face in front of him in defence. The back-line is likely to have Diogo Dalot on the right, De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez in the centre and Luke Shaw on the left.
Casemiro, who had an excellent second half against Man City in the Community Shield will partner Kobbie Mainoo at the base of midfield. Ahead of them, captain Bruno Fernandes will operate in the #10 playmaking role from where he can pull all the strings.
Mason Mount could start from the left side of the attack with Alejandro Garnacho on the right. In the absence of Rasmus Hojlund and the lack of match sharpness from Joshua Zirkzee, Ten Hag could choose to use Marcus Rashford to lead the line like he did against Man City.
The addition of De Ligt gives an assured look to this Man Utd team. Let’s hope he can realise his true potential and become a star at Old Trafford in the coming seasons.
