Erik ten Hag makes surprise Matthijs De Ligt admission amid Man United’s interest

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Erik ten Hag has opened up about the possibility of signing Bayern Munich defender Matthijs De Ligt this summer.

Manchester United confirmed the signing of Leny Yoro earlier this week with the Lille defender set to be the cornerstone to the Red Devils’ new look back four, following the departure of Raphael Varane.

United have also completed the signing of Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee but it appears the Red Devils want to add another defensive name to their team this summer.

Following the signing of Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt would certainly be one of the losers from this potential deal as there is surely an acceptance the Dutchman would be third choice behind Yoro and Lisandro Martinez but he remains a target for the Red Devils.

Ten Hag speaks on De Ligt deal

Despite De Ligt potentially being third choice if he were to move to Old Trafford, United are definitely interested in the Bayern Munich defender.

The United manager has been speaking to Dutch outlet AD and was asked about the possibility of signing De Ligt.

“It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come. I know Matthijs well and I will not deny that,” Ten Hag said.

“I wanted to sign him two years ago but at that time he was already very far along to join Bayern Munich but believe it or not, his name did not come from me in the process (at United.”

It would certainly be a surprise if the signing of De Ligt did not come from Ten Hag but the Bayern defender is certainly a target.

Jarrad Branthwaite has to be the preferred defensive target for United

Despite United being interested in De Ligt, the signing of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite should be the preference of those from Old Trafford.

Branthwaite is a sensational talent that United must sign this summer, despite Everton wanting reportedly wanting around £70 million.

Martinez has had his injury problems over the past 12 months and whilst his quality is undeniable, his injury record is and Branthwaite, who can play left centre-back, would be a more than capable deputy.