It's been a pre-season for Manchester United so far this summer, with a mix of results, signings and a few injuries.
Unfortunately, two of those things combined against Arsenal last week when the incredibly exciting Leny Yoro was forced off in the first half with a serious foot injury that will keep him out for the next three months.
This bad luck left Erik ten Hag shining in central defence, and with the return of the Premier League right around the corner, the timing couldn't have been worse.
However, based on recent reports, he may not be around for long, as the latest transfer update involves a player who could be the perfect solution to the Dutchman's current problem.
Manchester United transfer news
According to a recent report by German Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United still retain their interest in Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt.
In fact, Plettenberg has confirmed that the Red Devils are in constant contact with the German club over a deal that would see him move to Old Trafford this summer.
There is no word on how much it would cost United to sign the £258k-a-week Dutchman, but reports earlier this week suggested he could be worth around £42m.
It wouldn't be cheap, but given De Ligt's ability, it would be a great value for money, and he would be a fantastic addition to help fill Yoro's absence before he forms a long-term partnership with him.
Why De Ligt would be a good signing
Ok, so the first thing you can say is that De Ligt would be a great signing for United, regardless of the circumstances surrounding them, but now they are short of a defender following Yoro's unfortunate injury, he would be an amazing signing.
So, the first thing to consider as justification for this idea is his base numbers, which are, unsurprisingly, very impressive.
For example, according to FBref, which compares players in the same positions in the top five European leagues, the “crazy” defender, as he is called by data analyst Ben Mattinson, sits in the top 4% of defenders to complete passes, the top 7. % of non-penalty goals and total shots, top 10% of expected non-penalty goals and assists and assists, top 13% of shots in the attacking third and top 15% of touches, all in 90.
|
De Ligt's FBref scout report |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics |
at 90 |
Percentile |
|
End Passing |
93.1% |
Top 4% |
|
Anticipated Non-Penalty Goals |
0.09 |
Top 7% |
|
Perfect Shots |
0.92 |
Top 7% |
|
Expected Goals Non-Penalty + Assist |
0.13 |
Top 10% |
|
Continuous passes |
5.57 |
Top 10% |
|
Fighting in the Third Attack |
0.15 |
Up to 13% |
|
To touch |
81.72 |
Top 15% |
|
All Statistics by FBref |
||
This impressive series of statistics shows that while the former Ajax captain is clearly capable of defending, he can also play as a central defender and help in attack when called upon.
Furthermore, something he would be able to bring to the Ten Hag backline that Yoro couldn't.
Although he is only 24 years old, the Leiderdorp-born player has played 117 games for Ajax, 117 for Juventus, 73 for Bayern Munich, and 45 for the Netherlands, and so far in his career, he has won the league and domestic title. cup with all teams.
Ultimately, while losing the young Frenchman for three months is not ideal, if United can bring in De Ligt before the start of the season, it should be great, and when he returns to the side, they will have a wonderful duo. their hands.
Related
100% duels won: 8/10 Man Utd's ace was as good as Amad vs Real Betis
The impressive Red Devil shined in San Diego.
Source link
