OFFICIAL Manchester United statement made – Worldie ‘excited’ after joining Red Devils unto 2029

Manchester United have confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt has joined the club after months of speculation that he is a player that Erik Ten Hag was desperate to add to the Red Devils squad.

The Netherlands international has signed a contract until June 2029, with the option to extend for a further year after it was decided Bayern Munich that he was no longer wanted at the club.

De Ligt has already won the league title in three countries with Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich, and the defender has been brought in to add some leadership and quality to a Manchester United back-line that has been leaking goals.

Matthijs 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 an 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 and I cannot wait to work with him again. I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”

Dan Ashworth, Manchester United sporting director, said: “Matthijs is an outstanding defender and proven winner who will add quality, experience and leadership to our existing group of senior players.

“He has already enjoyed considerable success in his career, and we are convinced that his best years are still ahead; we want to help him achieve them at Manchester United.”

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