Man Utd s Newest Star: De Ligt Credits Ten Hag for Decision

Matthijs de Ligt, one of Manchester United’s new faces for the 2024 campaign, discussed his decision to join the team at Old Trafford in an interview with the publication.

The 25-year-old, who arrived from Bundesliga team Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window, attributed his choice to move to the Premier League to people like Erik ten Hag, with whom he had previously worked at Ajax.

“Yeah, clearly, Ten Hag had a big role because he and I both know each other really well. At Ajax, he also made me captain. He also really boosted my confidence and inspired me to try leading the team throughout my time at Ajax,” the player remarked.

“He makes a lot of expectations every day and throughout every training session. Not just on the training pitch, but also off it; your conduct, your physical well-being, your sleep patterns, etc. He also values discipline a lot. That is a perfect fit for how I view myself as a professional football player.”

The centre back claimed that the chance to play in the Premier League also attracted to him, and that combined with the Red Devils coach’s influence, it was simple for him to decide to transfer.

“It was quite simple for me to obtain the opportunity to go to the Premier League, first and foremost, and then to the largest club in English football history when United came for me this summer. The trainer also wanted me very much, and the club did as well. It was pretty simple for me to decide.”