Matthijs de Ligt points out why he joined Manchester United
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Matthijs de Ligt has explained why he moved to Manchester United (Credit: Manchester United)

Matthijs de Ligt points out why he joined Manchester United

Seye Omidiora 09:09 - 14.08.2024

The Dutchman reunited with Erik ten Hag by moving to Manchester after two seasons with Bayern Munich.

Manchester United’s new signing Matthijs de Ligt has revealed why moving to the Red Devils appealed after joining the club. 

De Ligt completed a transfer worth €45million (£38.5m, $49.5m), plus €5m (£4.3m, $5.5m) in add-ons and signed a five-year deal with the option for an additional 12 months, reuniting with Erik ten Hag after the pair’s exploits at Ajax

Matthijs de Ligt
Manchester United's new signing Matthijs de Ligt (Credit: Manchester United)

The Dutch defender captained the Ajax group that advanced to the competition’s semi-final in the 2018-19 season before elimination by eventual runners-up Tottenham Hotspur

Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt and Erik ten Hag reunite at Manchester United (Credit: Imago)

What De Ligt said about Man Utd transfer

Speaking to the club, the 25-year-old disclosed why he was convinced about switching from Bavaria to Manchester. 

“As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such a historic club,” said De Ligt. 

“In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out and the role they saw for me in it.

DE Ligt and Mazraoui at Manchester United
De Ligt and Mazraoui have both joined Manchester United from Bayern Munich

“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. I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”

What comes next?

De Ligt could make his Manchester United debut against Fulham on Friday, August 16, if he is registered in time to make the squad for the club’s Premier League opener.