Bayern center-back Matthijs de Ligt reportedly aimed for a reunion with his former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, but the Premier League club has allegedly stalled the deal. After signing Lille defender Leny Yoro, manager Ten Hag addressed the possibility of the Netherlands international joining Old Trafford.

Speaking to AD Sportwereld, Ten Hag said, “It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come. I know Matthijs well and I will not deny that. I wanted to sign him two years ago but at that time, he was already very far along to join Bayern Munich (from Juventus) but believe it or not, his name did not come from me in the process (of targeting signings).”

With Yoro now at United, the club may still pursue additional center-backs this summer. Following Raphael Varane’s departure on a free transfer, the team has shown interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and De Ligt. As they aim to re-establish themselves in English and European football, landing one of these defenders is still possible.

While transfer talks with De Ligt continue behind the scenes, Ten Hag’s United squad will face Rangers in a friendly on Saturday. They will then play against Arsenal a week later, followed by a match against Real Betis on July 31 as part of their pre-season campaign.

Matthijs de Ligt

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