Cristiano Ronaldo, who was a legendary player at Manchester United, has long admired Matthijs de Ligt, the strong defender from Bayern Munich. This respect dates back to De Ligt’s time at Ajax, where he impressed top European clubs. With Manchester United nearing an agreement with Bayern Munich for De Ligt’s transfer, Ronaldo’s past praise for the Dutch defender is particularly significant. Reports suggest that Manchester United has agreed to a £51.5 million deal to acquire De Ligt and his Bayern Munich teammate Noussair Mazraoui, with both players anticipated to undergo their medical examinations soon.
Examinations earlier this week have marked the arrival of De Ligt and Mazraoui as the latest additions to Erik ten Hag’s evolving Manchester United squad. With Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro already signed, De Ligt and Mazraoui will be the third and fourth new players to join Old Trafford this transfer window.
De Ligt’s successful relationship with Ten Hag is well-known, as he thrived under the Dutch manager at Ajax. During that time, he became the club’s youngest-ever captain and guided them to domestic successes, including the Eredivisie title and a notable Champions League semi-final run. His performances at Ajax established him as one of Europe’s top young defenders. When De Ligt transferred to Juventus in 2019, Ronaldo played a key role in persuading him to move after the Nations League final that summer, aiming to bring him to Turin.
Reflecting on his choice to join Juventus, De Ligt once mentioned, “After the final, I was already certain I wanted to join Juve. It was a great honor to have Ronaldo invite me, but it wasn’t the deciding factor.” These comments highlight the maturity and independence De Ligt demonstrated even as a young player, traits that have only deepened with time.
Now at 25, De Ligt is not only experienced but also well-prepared to manage the demands of playing at the top level. His time at
De Ligt’s time at Juventus was marked by significant growth and adaptation. Reflecting on his early Serie A days, he remarked, “Pressure is a normal part of football. It doesn’t bother me. I’ll demonstrate my abilities on the pitch. At 19, I still have room to grow and I’m eager to do so. It’s crucial to work hard every day and continue learning to become a better player.”
As De Ligt’s stint with Bayern Munich approaches its end, he appears poised to reunite with Ten Hag at Manchester United. This potential reunion has generated enthusiasm among United supporters, who are hopeful that De Ligt’s defensive skills will play a key role in the club’s recovery after a disappointing eighth-place finish last season. His playing style, which features a proactive defensive approach and a readiness to advance, complements Ten Hag’s vision for a more dynamic and assertive United team.
Ten Hag has always been a strong admirer of De Ligt, having tried to bring him to Old Trafford during his first summer in charge. However, De Ligt was already on his way to Bayern Munich at that time. Interestingly, Ten Hag noted that the club’s new recruitment structure identified De Ligt as a top target independently of his previous interest in the player.
When asked about De Ligt recently, Ten Hag acknowledged, “I wanted to sign him two years ago, but at that time, he was already very advanced in his move to Bayern. Believe it or not, his name did not come from me in the process.” This statement reflects United’s strategic approach in the transfer market, combining Ten Hag’s personal insights with the broader perspective of the club’s recruitment team.
As Manchester United moves closer to finalizing De Ligt’s signing, excitement around his arrival intensifies. His potential reunion with Ten Hag might herald a new chapter at Old Trafford, potentially restoring the club’s defensive strength and tactical acumen through the attributes that have distinguished De Ligt as a top performer in European football.
