Manchester United under INEOS has done well in the transfer market so well. The Red Devils have secured their two targets in the summer transfer window. Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and the defender Leny Yoro from Lille. These two were one of the club’s targets for the forthcoming season. The latter will command a £52 million fee. He will provide the Red Devils an advantage after the Frenchman was expected to join Real Madrid.
The club still has two targets left in the backline Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt. The club has offered these two targets. The former’s offer has been dismissed by Toffees Sporting director Dan Ashworth. The Merseyside club are hopeful of nearer £70m for the 22-year-old. On the other hand, the Bayern Munich defender will be happy to be back with his former coach.
Erik ten Hag was the coach of Ajax when De Ligt came into the limelight. The central defender will look for a reunion at Old Trafford. The personal terms have been agreed with the defender. With De Ligt coming into the backline Manchester United’s defence will look very different from last season. They will have Lisandro Martinez pairing up with his former teammate and Yoro will be a backup.
Matthijs de Ligt will become the next ‘Nemanja Vidic’
De Ligt or Branthwaite who fits better in Ten Hag’s system? The 24-year-old defender has shown exceptional leadership qualities both on and off the pitch. He will fit better in the Red Devils’ defence with the style Ten Hag plays in they need a robust defender who has an excellent aerial ability. He is strong in the air both defensively, for clearing crosses and set-pieces.
Branthwaite is still young despite the fact he has shown amazing maturity in the backline for the Merseyside last season. He offers a significant physical presence in defence. The club also needs ball-playing defenders with Raphael Varane departed. The club will need defenders who can contribute to the build-up play and maintain possession under pressure. Both offer different styles of play. However, it will be better for Ten Hag to have both on his side.
