Bayern Munich players are “shaking their heads” over Manchester United transfer decision, claims German legend

According to club legend Lothar Matthaus, Bayern Munich players have been “shaking their heads” following the sale of Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United.

Manchester United started the 2024 transfer window with significant intent after they announced the signings of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and Leny Yoro from Lille for a combined £88 million.

However, the summer incomings fell a little flat during the club’s pre-season tour. Following their return to England, it was announced that Erik ten Hag had secured former players Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt.

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Both players arrived for a combined £50 million fee plus a further £8.4 million in add-ons from Bayern Munich, and although Mazraoui’s departure was met with muted tones in Germany, the same cannot be said for De Ligt.

Bayern Munich and German legend Lothar Matthaus has scathed his former club for selling the Dutch international.

“The defence is and remains Bayern’s Achilles heel,” Matthaus told Sky Germany. “Matthijs de Ligt was sold, even though he was the most stable defender over the past two years. He was the leader of the backline.

“Now Bayern are again looking for a successor to David Alaba. For me, it’s pathetic that this leader is missing. After all, we are talking about FC Bayern. All the centre-backs currently in the Bayern squad have to be clear with themselves first.”

Further, Matthaus explained that many people, including those within the team, are shaking their heads at the decision to sell De Ligt—something that should encourage United fans as it speaks to his fantastic defensive abilities.

“If De Ligt had not been sold, I would not have worries at FC Bayern now. But my opinion about him is probably different to the people in charge. It’s a decision that has to be accepted.

“But many – including within the team – are just shaking their heads. Because the players also know that their defence is shaky. And then the best defender, for many, is sold.”

De Ligt has so far made two appearances for United, both off the bench against Fulham and Brighton. However, he may be handed his first start for the club as Ten Hag selects his team to play against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon ahead of the September international break.

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