Manchester United have secured the signing of Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, who has credited his former Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag, as a major influence in his decision to move to Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old officially joined the Red Devils on August 13, 2024, with a contract that runs until June 2029, including an option for an additional year.
De Ligt, who has previously won league titles in the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany with Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, respectively, is eager to reunite with Ten Hag. The two enjoyed a successful stint together at Ajax, where De Ligt emerged as one of Europe’s most promising defenders.
“When I learned that Manchester United was interested in me, I was immediately excited about the challenge of playing for such a historic club,” De Ligt told manutd.com. “The conversations with the club’s leadership were impressive, and it was clear that they had a strong vision for my role in the team.
“Erik ten Hag played a crucial role in my development, and I’m thrilled to work with him again. I’m determined to continue my success at this special club.”
Manchester United's sporting director, Dan Ashworth, expressed his enthusiasm for the new signing: “Matthijs is a world-class defender and a proven winner. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to our squad.
“We believe his best years are still to come, and we’re excited to help him reach new heights at Manchester United.”
De Ligt’s addition to the squad brings a wealth of experience, with 324 club appearances and 45 international caps to his name. As a former Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy winner, he is expected to be a key figure in Manchester United’s defence as they aim for success in the upcoming seasons.
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