Manchester United offer 5-year contract to sign former Erik ten Hag favorite at Ajax: Reports
Manchester United have reportedly made a five-year contract offer to former Erik ten Hag favorite at Ajax, Matthijs de Ligt. As reported by Dutch outlet De Telegraaf via Mike Verweij, the Red Devils have offered the Netherlands defender a deal until 2029.
De Ligt enjoyed the best spell of his career at Ajax under now Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. The highly regarded defender made 70 appearances for the Dutch giants under Ten Hag and also captained the youthful side.
The Dutch defender has faced a decline in his career since departing Ajax in 2019. De Ligt made a big switch to Juventus in 2019 in a deal worth €85.5 million but failed to live up to his potential in Turin.
Bayern Munich paid a reported €77 million fee for his services in 2022, but the Dutchman has endured an underwhelming spell at the Allianz Arena. He played only 1930 minutes of first-team football last season after failing to establish himself as a first choice.
Manchester United are in dire need of bolstering their backline, having struggled in the department last season. With Raphael Varane having left on a free transfer, they are reportedly in the hunt for a first-choice centre-back.
De Ligt moving to Old Trafford could be a great move for all parties. Erik ten Hag managed to bring the best out of the 24-year-old at Ajax and could very well resurrect his career. The Red Devils could also find a top-class central defender, in the long run, should De Ligt manage to rediscover his best form.
Roy Keane hails Manchester United youngster for his performance against Slovakia at Euro 2024
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has lavished praise on Kobbie Mainoo for his exceptional showing for England against Slovakia in Euro 2024. The Three Lions needed extra time to secure a 2-1 win, but Mainoo certainly impressed in the middle of the park.
Mainoo started the game alongside Declan Rice in midfield and showcased his exceptional ball-carrying ability. With most England players struggling to make an impact, Roy Keane was full of praise for the youngster who stood out. He said, via The Mirror:
"You see the stuff he is doing, I played in that position, but he's doing stuff that probably took me 10 years to learn. He's obviously had a great foundation at Man United and he's getting into good habits but we've seen in these big games - and when you're playing for Man United, every game is a big game for Man United, so he'll cope with all that."
England will take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Saturday, July 6 in Dusseldorf.