Matthijs de Ligt is reportedly “in pole position” to sign for Manchester United ahead of Premier League rivals Arsenal after many conversations with the Bayern Munich defender’s camp.

One of Manchester United’s key concerns heading into the summer of 2024 is finding a new center-half, thus Erik ten Hag may try to bring in another well-known player to Old Trafford.

When Matthijs de Ligt was still a youngster, the Dutch international was named club captain by the Red Devils manager during their time together at Ajax. Along with Frenkie de Jong, Donny van de Beek, and other key players, De Ligt was a major component of the young Ajax team that, five years ago, came dangerously close to winning the Champions League thanks to a hat-trick by Lucas Moura.

Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United

But since then, De Ligt’s career has been more Van de Beek than De Jong. Large-scale transfers to Juventus and subsequently Bayern Munich haven’t exactly gone as planned.

These days, De Ligt even seems to be Bayern’s fourth-choice center-half. In Thomas Tuchel’s hierarchy, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-Jae were selected ahead of De Ligt for Saturday’s 3-0 thrashing by title rivals Bayer Leverkusen, followed by Eric Dier, the January acquisition from Tottenham Hotspur.

It appears that Ten Hag’s admiration has not diminished despite his hardships in Germany.

Football Transfers claims that United has had multiple conversations with the 24-year-old’s representation. Arsenal, another potential suitor, has not yet followed suit.

As things currently stand, Man United is also said to be in “pole position,” and the 43-cap Netherlands international may be enticed to rejoin a coach he respects and knows well.

Having trouble at Bayern Munich

Back in January, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg wrote on X, “News (about) Matthijs de Ligt.”

He is well-liked by the players and the club because of his disposition and demeanour. The 24-year-old isn’t entirely content, though. When everyone is healthy, Tuchel does not always start him, and Bayern is chasing Ronald of Barcelona. Araujo

“A summer relocation is still possible. De Ligt and Man Utd might be the talk of the summer if Ten Hag stays as coach! He is included in the list.