Star will “reach his potential” once he joins Manchester United, says ex-Old Trafford coach

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has explained that he feels one of Erik ten Hag’s targets will reach his potential once he signs for the Old Trafford club.

Manchester United started the 2024 transfer window strong, signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and then pulling off an impressive coup by securing Leny Yoro from Lille, outmanoeuvring Real Madrid in the process.

However, having spent a combined £88 million on these two acquisitions, the club now needs to offload some assets to finance further signings. Erik ten Hag‘s squad has already seen departures, with Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala, and Alvaro Fernandez exiting the team.

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With an eye on reinforcing their squad further, United are now prioritizing the acquisition of a midfielder, right-back, and centre-back. Strong links have emerged between the club and Bayern Munich’s defensive duo, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, signalling a potential significant boost to their defensive options.

Many are focused on and intrigued by the De Ligt transfer, with Yoro’s recent three-month injury prognosis speeding up the need for United to secure another defender before the end of the month.

De Ligt, who became a rising star under Ten Hag at Ajax, has failed to live up to expectations since his moves to Juventus and Bayern Munich. However, former United coach Rene Meulensteen has backed him to succeed if he is reunited with his former boss.

“Matthijs de Ligt can reach his potential in the Premier League, he is a player who suits the division,” Meulensteen told BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League odds. “He is strong, powerful and it helps that Erik ten Hag knows him.

“De Ligt was flying at Ajax when Ten Hag was there, and he was one of the best players in Holland. I think the move to Juventus didn’t quite work, and his career stalled at Bayern Munich because they might not think he is good enough on the ball.

“But United need strengthening, and he will do that at centre-back.”

United submitted a double offer for both De Ligt and Mazraoui on Thursday last week, but it was rejected, much to the surprise of those involved in the deal.

However, recent reports have confirmed that United will again bid for both players, although it remains to be seen if this will be a double bid or two separate bids.

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