Reports indicate that Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany made an unexpected statement to Matthijs de Ligt before the defender’s move to Manchester United was finalized.
Manchester United’s defense was notably weak last season, leading the club to bolster Erik ten Hag’s defensive options this summer. Recently, United completed the acquisition of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich for an initial £38.5 million.
De Ligt, a Dutch center-back, joined his Bayern teammate Noussair Mazraoui in moving to Manchester, with United paying £12.8 million for Mazraoui. Initially, United focused on signing Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite but took the chance to secure De Ligt instead.
Despite expectations that De Ligt would stay at Bayern under Kompany, rumors emerged that Bayern’s leadership had concerns about his ability to play effectively from the back. Although De Ligt’s game time was limited last season due to a knee injury and the form of Eric Dier, Kompany reportedly wanted to keep him.
De Ligt reportedly spoke with Kompany about his future, feeling sidelined by the club. According to *The Athletic*, Kompany reassured De Ligt, stating he was still Bayern’s “No. 1 defender,” but De Ligt’s representatives believe the decision to sell him came from Bayern’s higher-ups rather than Kompany.
A Bayern spokesperson has refuted these claims, and *SoccerWeb* has also sought comments from Bayern Munich. De Ligt made his debut for Manchester United, coming on as a substitute in their Premier League win against Fulham last week.
This transfer underscores the often intricate nature of football club decisions, with De Ligt’s move to Manchester United, alongside Mazraoui, representing a significant defensive upgrade for Erik ten Hag’s squad.
