“He throws himself into the fight” - Manuel Neuer makes feelings clear about Manchester United target Matthijs de Ligt amid transfer rumours
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has waxed lyrical about his teammate Matthijs de Ligt, a Manchester United target. The Dutch centre-back is reportedly the subject of interest from the Red Devils.
De Ligt, 24, has contributed five goals and two assists in 73 games across competitions since arriving from Juventus in the summer of 2022. However, the Dutchman is seemingly surplus to requirements, having bagged two goals and an assist in 30 games, starting 23 times.
Despite his contract at the Allianz Arena expiring in 2027, De Ligt is likely on his way out, with the Red Devils interested in his services. As per Utd District, the Premier League giants made a bid for both De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, but Bayern rejected it.
Neuer, meanwhile, told Kicker (as per Utd District) that he prefers De Ligt in defence because of his impressive attributes:
“I’ve always been very happy with him at my side. He’s a real defender who likes to fight; he throws himself into the fight, even in aerial duels, and he’s always there.
“I get on very well with him on the pitch, but in the end, it’s the club that makes the decision.”
Bayern are coming off a first trophyless season in 12 years as they lost their long Bundesliga stranglehold. Meanwhile, Manchester United endured an eighth-placed finish, their worst in the Premier League era.
How Manchester United target Matthijs de Ligt fared at Juventus
As per the aforementioned source, De Ligt has agreed personal terms with Manchester United, having had a mixed stint with Juventus before arriving at Bayern two years ago.
Since arriving from Ajax in the summer of 2019, the young Dutchman made 117 appearances across competitions, contributing eight goals and three assists. During his stint at the Allianz Arena, De Ligt won one Serie A, Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup title.
At his current club, Matthijs de Ligt won the 2022-23 Bundesliga, having previously won two titles - including the Eredivisie - in his first senior club, Ajax, where he had come up through the ranks.