“You have to…” – Matthijs de Ligt told important Man United task ahead of Premier League debut

Matthijs de Ligt has been told an important task at Manchester United ahead of his potential Premier League debut.

De Ligt, 25, completed his United move on Tuesday evening alongside fullback Noussair Mazraoui.

Bayern Munich and the Red Devils settled on a deal involving an initial £38.6 million fee for the defender, with an additional £4.2 million in easily achievable add-ons.

The Dutch defender will add much-needed quality and depth to United’s backline after Raphaël Varane’s exit from Old Trafford.

It is uncertain whether De Ligt will start the opening Premier League fixture against Fulham, considering he would have only had a handful of training sessions with the team.

However, Rio Ferdinand believes that the player will be eager to start that game and take his chance in the team as soon as possible.

Asked whether he would want to start the game in De Ligt’s situation, Ferdinand said: “I don’t want no time to have to think anymore, I want games, I want to play now, I want the shirt and whenever I can get it as soon as… I take it.”

In the long term, United are likely hoping for Leny Yoro to partner Lisandro Martínez, while De Ligt would provide solid cover for them both.

Yet, with the 18-year-old out of action and still very young, Ferdinand believes the start of this season is the perfect chance for De Ligt to stamp his authority on this team.

“Leny Yoro is unfortunately not fit, so I presume that he has a chance to go in straight away alongside [Lisandro] Martinez and play,” he added.

“You have to take that. Hopefully, he’s fit and he’s been training and working hard anyway. You’ve got to take the shirt, this is your chance.

“He could take the shirt and never have to give it back if he does what he has to do.”

United host Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday evening, with kick-off coming at 20:00 BST.

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