Manchester United legend dismisses claims of “risky” signing as transfer draws closer

Manchester United legend Andy Cole has dismissed claims that the club are taking a risk with one of Erik ten Hag’s potential summer signings.

Manchester United aim to reinforce their defence by signing multiple centre-backs this summer after a tough season under Erik ten Hag, which saw them finish eighth in the Premier League and exit the Champions League by Christmas.

The team conceded over eighty goals in all competitions, frequently altering their defensive lineup due to injuries, resulting in more than 30 different combinations across 52 matches in the 2023/24 season.

Read More: Agent confirms Manchester United’s ‘obvious’ interest in £21 million winger

INEOS is evaluating potential signings for the 2024 summer transfer window, with the club being linked to several high-profile defenders with a deal for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt seemingly drawing closer.

Deal edging closer

United have been in talks with the player over the last few weeks, and he has accepted personal terms on a contract that would see him join Ten Hag, his former manager, at Old Trafford.

However, they are yet to agree a fee with Bayern, although rumours of a £38-43 million total fee have been spreading across the internet.

According to Sky Sports Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg, United and Bayern are not close to a deal for Matthijs de Ligt despite the recent reports.

Plettenberg explains that there has been no official offer from United for the 24-year-old – but considering that the player has agreed terms and Bayern are happy to sell for the right price, it is likely that this will not remain the case for too long.

Not a risk!

Although De Ligt is well known within football circles, some have claimed that the transfer may be a risk, considering that his career has not had the trajectory that many predicted five years ago following underwhelming spells at Juventus and Bayern.

However, former United striker and club legend Andy Cole has weighed in on the situation, explaining that his age and connection with Bayern fans prove he would be a signing that makes the club “stronger”.

“I’m not saying it’s a risk because I don’t believe that it is a risk,” Cole told BetFred. “He’s still a baby, he’s 24.

“I’ve just read about the petition that a number of Bayern Munich fans have signed requesting for him to not be sold, so he’s obviously a good player and if Manchester United signs him, then he’ll make them stronger in terms of competition for places.

“However, if he does sign for Manchester United, then he will be one of the first-choice centre-backs.”

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Thursday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.