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Manchester United’s leaky defence ended up conceding a scarcely plausible 85 targets in all competitions final season, probably the most in virtually 50 years.
In addition they completed the 2023-24 marketing campaign with their first destructive purpose distinction of the Premier League period whereas additionally exiting the Champions League from the group stage itself after conceding the joint second-most targets among the many 32 groups within the competitors.
It’s clear that enhancements are required transferring ahead with a number of defenders on their approach out of the membership. Raphael Varane has introduced his departure whereas Jonny Evans is unlikely to obtain a contract extension.
Each Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire have additionally been linked with exits and the membership may very well be pressured to signal a couple of centre-back in the summertime window.
Defensive revamp on the playing cards
Erik ten Hag’s fascination with former Ajax merchandise is properly often known as seen from the membership’s acquisition of stars like Antony and Lisandro Martinez and the failed try at signing Frenkie de Jong.
As per Bild’s print version, Bayern Munich are open to the sale of one other of Ten Hag’s favourites, Matthijs de Ligt.
With the Dutchman anticipated to stay on the helm and signal a brand new deal, revisiting the Netherlands worldwide’s signing may very properly be on the playing cards. The Peoples Individual had relayed that he was among the many targets ought to Ten Hag not lose his job.
“There’s additionally a rethink among the many central defenders at Kompany’s request. The unique candidate on the market, Dayot Upamecano (25/contract till 2026), is to be stored. In return, Matthijs de Ligt (24/contract till 2027) has been instructed that he can go away if an appropriate provide is made!
“This comes as a shock: the defender was signed by Juventus Turin for 67 million euros in the summertime of 2022 and had a tough time beneath Thomas Tuchel (50). Within the final half of the season, the Dutchman stabilized himself and shaped the common central protection with Eric Dier (30).”
Matching and even enhancing the centre-back’s wages shouldn’t be an excessive amount of of an issue for the Purple Devils with the Bayern star at present incomes €307,692 per week (as per capology).
De Ligt obtainable
Nonetheless, whether or not the 20-time English league champions can afford to pay his market worth of €65 million amid PSR considerations shall be intriguing to see.
De Ligt’s sale will help Bayern fund their deliberate recruitment spree and if not United, a lot extra golf equipment are ready within the wings for the previous Juventus star.
Final season, the 24-year-old made 30 appearances in all competitions, registering two targets and an help whereas serving to hold 9 clean-sheets.
The three-time league winner was additionally within the prime three per cent amongst Bundesliga defenders for cross completion and tackles received (as per Fotmob) and his skill-set is completely fitted to Ten Hag’s model of play.
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