De Ligt: A risk worth taking?

Bringing a centre-back to Old Trafford appears to be a priority for Manchester United this summer. The club have shown an interest in Jarrad Branthwaite, Jean-Clair Todibo and Lenny Yoro, but their pursuit of Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt seems to be the most advanced.

On the surface, there is plenty for United fans to get excited about. Still just 24 years old, the defender is already very experienced and successful, having played for three European giants in Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich. De Ligt has won multiple trophies and been to three major tournaments with his country.

His time at Ajax, particularly the period under United boss Erik ten Hag is arguably what de Ligt is most known for. He became a mainstay in the Ajax defence, captaining the side to a league and cup double in 2019 and being a key member in their run to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Given how much trust Ten Hag put in de Ligt during their time at Ajax, there is little doubt the manager would be keen for a reunion in Manchester this summer.