“Juventus got rid of him” - Paul Scholes calls De Ligt ‘second-rate defender’ as he expresses Manchester United concern
Paul Scholes has questioned Erik ten Hag's move of bringing Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United. The defender, along with Noussair Mazraoui, has joined the English giants in a combined £60 million deal.
De Ligt has reportedly cost £43 million himself, and it is a figure that hasn't gone down well with Scholes. Questioning De Ligt's quality, the former England and Manchester United midfielder said (via Manchester Evening News):
"You know what? Manchester United are talking about bringing players in who won't get in their team. He's not played for them. That's a big concern for me, especially when Eric Dier's playing in front of him. I'm not joking; that is a massive concern for me. You're bringing in players for £40million, £50million, okay, just because he's played for them three or four years ago."
Ten Hag managed De Ligt during their time at Ajax before he joined Juventus in 2019. After making 117 appearances in three seasons, he joined Bayern Munich in a £57 million transfer, where he struggled for starts by the second season.
Scholes added:
"Juventus got rid of him; he wasn't good enough at Juventus, he obviously hasn't been good enough for Bayern Munich. He's coming to us almost like a second-rate defender now."
De Ligt made just 16 Bundesliga starts last season, with Eric Dier, Dayot Upamecano, and Kim Min-jae all vying for a starting berth.
Pundit pleased with Manchester United signing a 'leader' in Matthijs de Ligt
Teddy Sheringham, meanwhile, believes Manchester United have done a good thing by bringing in a leader in Matthijs de Ligt. He was notably made the youngest-ever captain of Ajax when he was handed the armband by Erik ten Hag in March 2018 as an 18-year-old.
Speaking on the Netherlands international, the former Red Devils striker, Sheringham, said (via the aforementioned source):
"They need leaders. That's why I like the rumours about Matthijs de Ligt, because even though he's 24, he's been there and done it winning titles in Holland, Italy and Germany. Leaders drag other people along with you...
"Erik ten Hag made him the youngest ever captain of Ajax and he has played for some big clubs in Juventus and Bayern since he left Amsterdam. He brings leadership qualities, and he's got that ability to bring the ball out of defence and pick a pass. He's calm. I think he's a really good signing."
De Ligt, who turned 25 earlier this week, has been capped 45 times by the Oranje and has won league titles in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.