There is a new transfer update that suggests Manchester United is considering a move for a highly regarded defender that manager Erik ten Hag knows well.
Are January acquisitions necessary for Man United?
Despite making some significant additions during the summer transfer window in the hopes of continuing their success in 2023–2024—the Red Devils have had a really dismal start to their Premier League campaign.
Joachim Andersen’s goal proved to be the difference between the two teams at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon as United lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace at home. With Ten Hag’s team having now dropped four of their first seven league games of the season, any chance of posing a title challenge already seems to be fading.
Although it’s still early, it already appears like a difficult task to place in the top four, and for that to change, results and performances must sharply improve going ahead.
Even though United does have injury issues, which may be contributing to their difficulties, the squad doesn’t seem to have many players of true elite calibre. It’s possible that the Reds will try to add more players when the January transfer window opens in order to give their squad greater depth and talent for the second half of the campaign.
If there aren’t any significant on-field improvements, it may be necessary at this stage, and according to a recent transfer report, one target is reportedly being considered.
Man Utd is interested in signing which player?
A rumour from Spain (via Caught Offside) claims that United are considering a move of €80 million (£69.4 million) for Bayern Munich center-back Matthijs De Ligt, or even a possible swap. For all that his contract doesn’t end until the summer of 2027, his present team appears amenable to selling him.
Given that Ten Hag oversaw the £265,000-a-week Dutchman at Ajax during their time together at the Eredivisie powerhouses, this may be a great move on the part of the Reds.
Despite not having reached the enormous heights some had anticipated at this point in his career, De Ligt, who is still only 24 years old, has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most highly sought-after young center-backs. If nothing else, he could provide a significant upgrade over the options United currently has at the heart of their defence.
While Victor Lindelof is imperfect despite his ability to produce strong performances, Harry Maguire’s troubles during his Reds career have received a lot of attention. The arrival of a new centre defender who can play with Lisandro Martinez for many years is imperative, as Raphael Varane, who is currently in his 30s, is prone to injuries.
De Ligt is obviously a fan of Ten Hag, as evidenced by his earlier support of him being named United manager by praising his old boss last year. As such, they may both be open to the prospect of collaborating once more. “Incredible” is how former Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli described the former, and it should be exciting to see him at Old Trafford.
