Manchester United’s new era under the ownership of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe has well and truly gotten underway with a plethora of new signings in the backroom staff of the football club. The structure of the club has been completely overhauled by the new owners and they have appointed some big names to important positions in the club with an aim to back the manager and avoid mistakes of the past. Omar Berrada – who resigned from his position as Chief of Football Operations at City Football Group – was named as CEO of the club, while Jason Wilcox was signed from Southampton as the Technical Director of the club.
Most recently, the highly-rated Dan Ashworth was brought into the fold from Newcastle United as the sporting director of the club, solidifying Man United’s intent on having a well-defined structure in place above the manager to aid with the scouting, recruitment, and other footballing activities of the club.
New Structure, New Ambitions
With the correct structure in place, Manchester United are now turning their attention onto the players required to help take them back to the upper echelons of English and European football. The Red Devils have already seen a move for French defender Jean-Clair Todibo blocked by the UEFA’s new multi-club ownership rule, as INEOS also own part of French club Nice for whom Todibo plays, and both Man United and Nice have qualified for the Europa League. As a move for the Frenchman looks unlikely, the Red Devils have already turned their attention to other alternatives, with the name of Matthijs de Ligt cropping up on several occasions.
The 24-year-old Dutch defender is currently plying his trade in colors of Bayern Munich, who have reportedly put him on the transfer list, with the German club preparing to bring Jonathan Tah to the Allianz Arena. Tah’s arrival would render de Ligt surplus to requirements and reports out of Germany suggest the former Ajax man could be on his way out this summer. Manchester United are among many clubs circling the Dutchman, and the Red Devils are said to be in pole position in the race for the defender.
Man United are in search of the perfect partner for Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the defense, after Raphael Varane departed from the club following the expiration of his contract. Their defensive frailties in last season were well documented as they conceded a record 58 goals in the league, their most in the Premier League era. Decision makers in the newly established United hierarchy are said to favor a move for Matthijs de Ligt, who caught the world’s eye in that thrilling 2019 Champions League run for Ajax under then manager Erik ten Hag.
A Reunion on the Cards
Reports suggest the Dutch defender is also keen on reuniting with his former manager under whose tutelage de Ligt captained a young Ajax side, aged just 19 and led the team to a domestic league and cup Double. At only 24, he is the perfect blend of youth and experience, having played for European pedigree in Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich. His cool, calm and composed style of play will complement the aggressiveness of Lisandro Martinez perfectly, and the two former Ajax men should be able to form a strong partnership in the United backline.
Hailed by greats like Jaap Stam as a ‘complete defender with brilliant composure on the ball’, de Ligt could be just what United need to tighten their leaky defense.
News outlets from Germany and the Netherlands are suggesting that United have reached out to the player’s camp to get their consent on a move, but no talks have taken place yet between the English giants and Bayern Munich. A package of anywhere between £34 to £42 million could satisfy the Bavarians, with transfer gurus predicting negotiations to begin between the two clubs soon. United have reportedly offered a 5-year contract for the Dutchman, who is keen to join United despite the club not playing in the Champions League this season, and it is very likely that Matthijs de Ligt becomes the first signing of the INEOS era at Manchester United.
De Ligt not the only target
Jarrad Branthwaite remains one of the names on Man United shortlist for new centre back, but not the only one.
Nothing advanced so far between clubs; Everton have NO plans to sell him for less than £65/70m fee.#MUFC have 3 more options.
Branthwaite, keen on the move. pic.twitter.com/9EZ8oGn4xL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 14, 2024
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are also pursuing a deal for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, in addition to de Ligt, with the futures of Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans uncertain at the club. United have already had a bid of around £35 million rejected for the left-footed Englishman, with Everton demanding a fee in excess of £60 million. With the new ownership determined not to overpay for players as the club has done in the past, the pursuit of Branthwaite has hit a stumbling block and it remains to see if United enter another bid for the youngster.
INEOS reportedly have a few deals in the pipeline, with interest in Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee also making the waves, however, for now, it seems the signing of de Ligt is likelier and the Dutchman is all set to reunite with his former manager at the iconic Old Trafford.