Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag admits he would like to sign Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
United have already signed one central defender in Lenny Yoro from Lille but ten Hag says he is also interested in bringing de Ligt to the club.
Speaking to AD Sportwereld, the United boss said: “It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come. I know Matthijs well and I will not deny that.
“I wanted to sign him two years ago but at that time, he was already very far along to join Bayern Munich but believe it or not, his name did not come from me in the process.
“During my vacation I was three or four weeks out of the process. During that period it was really the club, the newly equipped scouting and recruitment department, that brought in these players.
“The fact that there are also Dutch people among them is in fact a coincidence. Primarily, these were players who were proposed from our organisation. But of course I support it, let that be clear. And we still make the choice together.”
United have undergone a restructure in recent months following the partial takeover of the club by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group and ten Hag believes the club are well placed to strengthen following a disappointing previous Premier League campaign.
“It is precisely with this club that you have to have a very strong structure in the field of scouting- and transfer policy,” he added.
“I can only be glad that I now have Dan Ashworth (sports director), Jason Wilcox (technical director), and Christopher Vivell (scouting and transfers) by my side.
“In doing so, the club has gained incredible know-how and knowledge of the football market. Knowledge that helps and supports me.”
FEATURED IMAGE: Stu Forster/Getty Images VIA ONE FOOTBALL
