Soccer
Former Manchester United coach surprised by club targeting Matthijs de Ligt as summer signing
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Manchester United's Dutch contingent could grow further this summer with the club strongly linked with a move for Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt.
The Netherlands defender hasn't seen much action at Euro 2024, but is said to be close to moving to Old Trafford where he'd be reunited with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.
Speaking exclusively to DAZN, thanks to Free Bets, Dutch coach Rene Meulensteen said he was surprised to see De Ligt on United's radar but believes the centre-back would be a good fit for the Premier League.
"Well, they do need, obviously, another centre-half, but it surprises me again that it is a right-footed centre-half," the former Red Devils assistant said.
"I've been very, very, very impressed with Micky van de Ven, the way that he played for Tottenham Hotspur and he's obviously a left-footed player and he's lightning quick. I'm not saying that it wouldn’t cost you a lot of money and dealing with Tottenham Hotspur is difficult.
"De Ligt has always been a very, very good central defender, but for whatever reason, De Vrij has got the notch ahead of him. Is he a good player?
"Yes, of course, I like him, he's strong, Ten Hag knows him inside out because you work with him at Ajax. He had a spell at Juventus and then Bayern Munich, but with Bayern Munich, he hasn't played all the time.
"But he will be suited for the Premier League because he's a tall boy, he's strong and he's a really strong competitor."
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