It is always a good measure of a move to see how the rivals react to it when it is happening or reported to be in the works.
If there is dread and despair, then it is fair to say that they see the move as threatening, something that will make the other party better.
Going by that criteria, it seems like Matthijs de Ligt’s prospective move to Manchester United is a genius bit of business.
That is because Bayern Munich fans have taken a remarkable step to try and send a clear signal to their board, making it clear they don’t want their defender to be sold.
Bayern fans’ act grabs the headlines
Regardless of injury worries, which, to be fair, only really propped up last season, De Ligt’s credentials are elite.
Bayern fans recognise that so in order to register their protest, especially at such an affordable price, they have started a petition.
The petition on change.org, succinctly named “Keep de Ligt!”, was started on June 11 but has now gathered pace quickly.
At the time there were only murmurs that a move for him could be in the works, especially as the Bavarians were trying to strike a deal for Jonathan Tah.
Bayern fans saw this as a clear downgrade and started the petition but as the smoke around De Ligt’s move began to rise, the petition gained momentum.
Fans on the petition called it “a horrible decision”, saying he is the “best [defender] in our squad”, being selected the best player in the 2022/23 season.
They said he is “already very mature” and “has a great mentality which will make him a leading figure in defence and probably a competitor for captaincy in some years”.
This will come as music to the ears of United fans.
Where things stand with Man United
United remain in pole position to sign the player, having offered him a five-year deal which is expected to be agreed upon soon.
The player is happy to be reunited with Erik ten Hag, who boosted his rise, making him the captain of Ajax when he was just 18.
He has many admirers at Old Trafford beyond the manager as well, namely Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, both of whom have lauded his credentials.
At the reported price tag, this should be a straightforward deal for United to make, especially as they have freed up nearly £650,000/week in wages recently.
One would presume that the Netherlands’ participation in the Euros will hold up the completion of this transfer, which is not the only one United intend to make from the national team players.
However, one thing is for certain, not many United fans will be signing that petition!
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