Alan Shearer has given his approval for Manchester United to sign Matthijs de Ligt, even though the Bayern Munich defender was left out of the Netherlands squad for the 2024 European Championship.
De Ligt has not yet appeared in the competition because Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has favored Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij as a center-back duo throughout the Euros.
Despite this, United is still trying to sign the 24-year-old in order to increase Erik ten Hag‘s defensive alternatives this summer.
Since Raphael Varane left Old Trafford, Manchester United has been looking for a new center-back, and De Ligt has emerged as their top choice.
The Bayern star, who has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Premier League over the last five years, is keen on the move and has even agreed personal terms with United, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Ex-England striker Shearer insists ‘really good player’ De Ligt would be a ‘good signing’ for Manchester United and ‘suit’ the Premier League despite being overlooked during Euro 2024.
The Netherlands continue their impressive Euros campaign on Wednesday night, taking on Gareth Southgate’s England for a place in the final.
‘Matthijs de Ligt has been linked with a move to Old Trafford and I think he would be a good signing for Manchester United,’ Shearer told Betfair.
‘He’s a really good player – really solid. I know he can’t get in the Dutch team but he’d be a really good addition for Man United.
‘I like him a lot and I think his style of play would suit the Premier League.’
Liverpool legend Phil Thompson disagrees with Shearer’s assessment of De Ligt, however, and believes Manchester United should be looking closer to home for a new centre-back.
As well as targeting De Ligt, United have also expressed interest in signing Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton, so far making two unsuccessful offers for the 22-year-old.
‘Matthijs de Ligt is a good player, but when I look at Manchester United, I feel like they need a player who knows the Premier League,’ Thompson told Paddy Power.
‘They had Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, and he didn’t work out, so if you have de Ligt coming into the side, he might take a little bit of time to settle, which is something that United can’t afford to do.
‘Jarrad Branthwaite is a top class player and he’s going to be a future England international. I think he’s a top player and if I was in Manchester United’s position, he would be someone I would go for.’