Matthijs de Ligt has revealed what “impressed” him most about joining Manchester United after his transfer from Bayern Munich.
The Dutch centre-back has put pen to paper on a five-year-contract with the option for an additional year, with the Red Devils paying an initial transfer fee of €45 million plus €5m in add-ons.
The 25-year-old was one of several first-team players Bayern had reportedly planned to sell this summer after falling out of favour last season, starting just 16 Bundesliga matches.
De Ligt, who will wear the number four on his jersey, says he was won over by Man United‘s plan for the future and how he fit into it during transfer talks.
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“As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such an historic club,” he said.
“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 first broke through at Ajax while Erik ten Hag was manager, playing a key role in the side’s incredible run to the semi-finals of the Uefa Champions League in 2019. He believes that his compatriot can help him rekindle the form that once made him one of the most desired defenders in European football.
“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,” he said.
“I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”
De Ligt was not the only Bayern player to move to Old Trafford on Tuesday, with Man Utd buying Noussair Mazraoui for €15m plus €5m in add-ons. The Moroccan international has signed a four-year deal with the option for a further year.
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