Erik ten Hag’s stance on Matthijs de Ligt starting for Man United vs Fulham is clear

Erik ten Hag seemingly has a clear stance on Matthijs de Ligt starting for Manchester United against Fulham on Friday.

The Reds are set to complete a deal for De Ligt at the beginning of next week after reaching an agreement with Bayern Munich for the transfer on the weekend.

De Ligt is due to undergo his United medical on Monday and reports from Sky Sports explain that he will be available for the opening Premier League game against Fulham.

United have had major issues at centre-back over the last year, with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf, Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane all experiencing injuries during that time.

Varane has now departed and Leny Yoro came into the club, but the 18-year-old defender has unfortunately picked up a three month injury.

Another defender was crucial for Erik ten Hag this summer, and ideally, they would be signed before the new Premier League season begins.

However, while De Ligt will likely be available for the Fulham clash on Friday, Ten Hag has already suggested that the Dutch defender might not start the encounter.

Speaking about fellow Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee, who was left on the bench on Saturday during the Community Shield, the United boss explained that players need time to adjust to a new club.

Explaining why he has made that decision, Ten Hag, speaking to MUTV ahead of kick-off, said: “There are many games to play. He needs time. Every player at a new club, not only at Manchester United or only when you come to the Premier League, everyone needs time.

“We have to be patient and we have to bring him carefully [into the team] and then he will adjust. I am sure he will contribute a lot.”

Zirkzee also only had a couple of training sessions with the whole squad, something that will also be the case for De Ligt after he signs contracts.

It seems more likely that Martínez and Maguire line up next to each other, with Luke Shaw returning to the backline at left-back.

Diogo Dalot will start on the right side, while Noussair Mazraoui could also be signed in time to provide further support on the bench.

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