Manuel Neuer makes admission surrounding Matthijs de Ligt’s Manchester United move

Manuel Neuer has made an admission as Matthijs de Ligt’s transfer from Bayern Munich to Manchester United seemingly draws closer.

Manchester United is set on bolstering their defence by signing multiple centre-backs this summer after a tough season under Erik ten Hag. The team ended up eighth in the Premier League and was out of the Champions League by Christmas.

Throughout the 2023/24 season, United conceded over eighty goals across all competitions and frequently changed their defensive lineup due to injuries. This resulted in more than 30 different defensive combinations across 52 matches.

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On Friday, it was reported that United submitted a bid to Bayern Munich for both Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui and although all parties expected the offer to be accepted, it was rejected.

This then caused some bemusement among the players’ camp, who are both represented by the same agent, as they thought the offer met Bayern’s financial demands.

Both players have reportedly already been informed that they are surplus to requirements, but legendary Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has made an admission that he would prefer to see De Ligt stay.

“I’ve always been very happy with him at my side,” Neuer told the German sports magazine Kicker. “He’s a real defender who likes to fight; he throws himself into the fight, even in aerial duels, and he’s always there.

“I get on very well with him on the pitch, but in the end, it’s the club that makes the decision.”

Bayern’s decision has already been made, and so has De Ligt’s. Both he and Mazraoui have agreed on personal terms with United, and all that remains is for Bayern Munich to be more reasonable and accept the terms United have offered.

The longer that both players stay in Munich, the more money it costs them in wages.

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