As is so often the case nowadays, Graeme Souness has given his two pence on Manchester United’s recent affairs.
This time, it’s regarding their imminent acquisition of Bayern Munich duo Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt. The players completed their medicals at Carrington yesterday, after which they’ll have put pen to paper on their five-year contracts.
Additions were crucial in the defensive department after last season’s unprecedented injury crisis undoubtedly struck the backline the hardest – hence why United ended the campaign with Casemiro deputising at centre-half.
Then, when Raphael Varane was released and Willy Kambwala was sold to Villarreal, Erik ten Hag was left with even fewer options at his disposal.
INEOS proceeded to work their magic by beating the likes of Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid to the signing of Leny Yoro. However, he’s been made to wait for his official debut after he fractured a metatarsal in just his second pre-season outing.
The setback forced transfer chiefs to dip back into the market for another addition to bolster the ranks at Old Trafford. Unsurprisingly, they landed on two more ex-Ajax stars.
Souness raises De Ligt doubts
Souness has now flagged concerns over De Ligt’s suitability for the role. He told the talkSPORT panel: “He (Ten Hag) knew what he was going to get from the other players he got from Ajax, and I don’t think anyone is jumping up and down and saying how fabulous they’ve been.
“I’m doubtful about De Ligt, I’m sorry. He didn’t get into the [Dutch] national team at the Euros – he was only a squad player. When you look at his profile, he’s been at two enormous football clubs (Bayern and Juventus). Those kind of clubs don’t usually like to sell players – they hold onto their best players. That in itself tells a story.”
Read more: After De Ligt – ‘Shock twist’ sees United plot £60m surprise swoop for ‘colossal’ PL ace
“He was a star as a boy, but has he progressed since then? I’m not sure if he’s what Manchester United need at this time,” he argued. “They definitely need a centre-half because Jonny Evans played a lot of games. He’s 36. But is De Ligt the one?
“When I look at him, I see a lightweight centre-half. Was there a queue of other teams wanting to buy him? I don’t think there was.”
