Matthijs de Ligt’s first words as Dutch defender signs five-year Manchester United contract

Matthijs de Ligt has spoken for the first time since his move from Bayern Munich to Manchester United was confirmed.

Matthijs de Ligt has signed for Manchester United on a five-year contract, completing his £38 million move from Bayern Munich to Old Trafford.

The Dutch defenders will be reunited with Erik ten Hag, who coached him at Ajax after the player rose through their academy to establish himself in the first team.

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He joins United at a time when defensive reinforcement and upgrades are needed. He will compete with Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelöf for the centre-back position – although the latter may depart in the coming days.

Speaking to the club for the first time, De Ligt said: “As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such a historic club.

“In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out and the role they saw for me in it.

“Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me. I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level.”

He is expected to be available later this week when Manchester United host Fulham during the opening day of the Premier League season at Old Trafford.

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