Manchester United: Bayern Munich chief explains Matthijs de Ligt sale after fan backlash

Bayern Munich director of sport Max Eberl has defended the club’s sale of Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United this summer.

De Ligt scored his first goal in United colours during their 3-0 Premier League win over Southampton on Saturday, after joining the club in a deal which could reach £42.9million with add-ons.

Bayern supporters were not happy with news of the potential sale and started a petition to try and keep the 25-year-old in Munich.

However, Eberl has tried to appease fans over the move by explaining that the Bundesliga club feel both Dayot Upamecano and Kim min-Jae are better options in defence.

"I followed it, including the petition. I know that many fans identify with him," he said at a press conference.

"Nevertheless, I had to make this decision because we also had to sell players. We felt more comfortable with Upamecano and Kim because they can defend higher up the pitch. And then an offer came in for De Ligt."

The Bayern supporters’ petition made it clear they did not want De Ligt to leave the club, with a statement reading: "We all want Matthijs de Ligt to stay at FC Bayern Munich. He has proven that he‘s a world-class defender, probably the best in our squad.

"Selling Matthijs de Ligt would be an absolutely horrible decision and we would definitely regret it. That‘s why we use our voice to call attention that we will NOT make this mistake.”