Instead of competing for Matthijs de Ligt, a defender for Bayern Munich, Manchester United ought to sign Premier League star.
Legendary Liverpool player Phil Thompson believes as much. He has questioned United’s decision to sign De Ligt and said he may wind up at Old Trafford as Raphael Varane did.
In the wake of Varane’s departure, Erik ten Hag, who signed a one-year contract extension at Manchester United near the conclusion of the previous season amid intense rumors he would be fired, will choose a new center-back this summer.
United seems to be making significant headway in their pursuit of De Ligt, the fellow Dutchman of Ten Hag, who Bayern Munich is willing to let go following two disappointing seasons at the Allianz Arena.
Ten Hag managed De Ligt while the pair were both still at Ajax and is keen to reunite with the 24-year-old at Old Trafford.
De Ligt is currently in Germany with the Netherlands Euro 2024 squad but is expected to accelerate his departure from Bayern following the tournament, with United his likely destination.
But former Sky Sports pundit Thompson has doubts over De Ligt and says Manchester United should instead be doing everything they can to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton.
The Red Devils pursued the 22-year-old England defender earlier in the summer but their only offer, way short of Everton’s valuation, was instantly rejected by the Toffees.
‘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.’
Turning his attention to his former club Liverpool, Thompson revealed he wanted the Reds to sign England winger Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
Liverpool were linked with a shock move for Gordon last week, despite the fact the 23-year-old – like De Ligt – is still out in Germany at the Euros.
‘Anthony Gordon would be a good signing for Liverpool, especially as a right-footer playing on the left wing,’ Thompson added.
‘Luis Diaz is very good, but there has been rumours about him leaving, so I wonder what is going on there.
‘I did hear a report that Newcastle want Jarell Quansah as a swap, but that wouldn’t come into it because he’s one of the bright lights of this new Liverpool side, and he’s going to be a regular in our setup.
‘Anthony Gordon would be an asset, but where would he get into the starting team at Liverpool because you’ve got Mo Salah on one side and then Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota on the other side.
‘If you’re looking to build-up a squad, then I would take him, but it does depend on the price. Gordon is a good player, and I would like to see him at Liverpool.’