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Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has weighed in on Manchester United's links with defender Mathijs de Ligt. He heaped praise on the Dutchman, saying that he would be a good signing for United because of his leadership.
The Red Devils have struggled with leadership in recent seasons. Former captain Harry Maguire was heavily criticised for his performances and saw his role dip in the 2022-23 season. Manager Erik ten Hag then made Bruno Fernandes the captain ahead of the 2023-24 season. While the midfielder is arguably their best player, his body language has often come under criticism.
Manchester United are now trying to start a new era under minority owners INEOS and bring in new players this summer. They have been linked with Bayern Munich defender Mathijs de Ligt and Didi Hamann believes it will be a good signing. He said (via Manchester Evening News):
"Matthijs de Ligt came to Bayern Munich, he had a tough start, then he had an injury, but you have to say in the last six months, he was probably the most reliable defender they had when he formed a partnership with Eric Dier.
"It comes as a surprise that Bayern would let De Ligt go and I'm not surprised that somebody is happy to pay that fee. He's been brilliant and what I like about him, he's a leader."
Hamann believes signing someone like De Ligt could help the Red Devils get closer to a top-four finish in the Premier League next season. He said:
"There's a lot of players linked with Manchester United now, Jarrad Branthwaite being one of them and I think there's really something happening at Manchester United. I don't think in one transfer you go back from finishing fifth or sixth or seventh to finish in top four, but I think they might be a lot closer with him [De Ligt] in the side.
"I think he could be a player to help him because he is a leader. I think he makes other players better. He's very reliable. He's quick. He's powerful. He's strong and a very physical player. I'm surprised Bayern are ready to let him go, but I think Manchester United, if they do get him, I think they will get an excellent player."
As per Manchester Evening News, United have already agreed on personal terms with De Ligt, with the transfer fee expected to be around £45 million.
Manchester United set to complete 2 more signings this summer: Reports
The Red Devils aren't hanging about this summer and have already signed two players. They brought in Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for a reported fee of €42.5 million, making him Manchester United's first signing under INEOS. They also signed Leny Yoro from LOSC Lille for a big fee of €62 million plus add-ons.
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, they have also agreed on personal terms with Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. United saw Raphael Varane leave as a free agent this summer while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof's futures are also under speculation.
Manchester United have also agreed on personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Manuel Ugarte, as per Romano. Sofyan Amrabat has returned to Fiorentina on loan while Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Scott McTominay could leave as well. Hence, the Red Devils are looking at a major overhaul in multiple positions this summer.
