"The coach at Manchester United is Dutch" - Bayern board member makes major claim over Matthijs de Ligt's future
Bayern Munich board member Uli Hoeneß has opened the door for Matthijs de Ligt to join Manchester United this summer. The Dutch defender is heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford to reunite with former manager Erik ten Hag.
Hoeneß gave an update on Bayern's transfer business and spoke about De Ligt's link to the Red Devils. He alluded to Ten Hag also being Dutch (via Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg):
"It's possible that a defender will leave. De Ligt is Dutch, the coach at Manchester United is Dutch. I would have no problem if he stays. Personally, I would not sell (Dayot) Upamecano."
De Ligt, 24, looked likely to become Manchester United's first defensive signing of the INEOS era weeks ago. The Netherlands international emerged as a top target to help strengthen Ten Hag's defense.
However, the Red Devils prioritized the signing of Leny Yoro, 18, from LOSC Lille. The French defensive wonderkid arrived from the Ligue 1 club in a reported £52 million deal this week.
Reports claim Manchester United still hope to sign another defender despite Yoro's arrival. De Ligt has agreed on personal terms with the Premier League giants, but they haven't agreed on a fee for the Dutchman with Bayern.
De Ligt knows Ten Hag well, having got his break under his fellow countryman at Ajax. At 19, he became the youngest captain in UEFA Champions League history at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Bayern looks set to enter the new season with Kim Min-jae, Dayot Upamecano, and Eric Dier as their three main defensive options. They are seemingly open to offloading De Ligt, who somewhat struggled under former manager Thomas Tuchel last season. He started 16 of 22 Bundesliga games, helping his side keep seven clean sheets.
Manchester United may need to decide between Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite: Reports
De Ligt isn't the only defender on Manchester United's radar as they follow up on Yoro's arrival. Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, who enjoyed a stellar 2022-23 campaign, is also a target.
Branthwaite, 22, appeared 41 times across competitions, helping the Toffees keep 15 clean sheets. He just missed out on a place in England's squad for Euro 2024 after making the 33-man provisional list.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that United is open to another defensive signing but needs outgoings to proceed. They are only interested in signing De Ligt if Bayern agrees to their own conditions.
The Red Devils have agreed on personal terms with Branthwaite but have been at loggerheads with Everton over a fee. His club values him at £70-75 million, which United isn't willing to match. Thus far, they have had two bids worth as much as £45 million rejected.