Warning Issued to Manchester United Regarding Matthijs de Ligt After Protest and Petition

Manchester United made it a priority to address the centre-back position in the summer transfer window, after a disappointing 2023/24 Premier League season where the club finished with a negative goal difference for the first time in over three decades.

Erik ten Hag’s side were able to bring in big-money centre-backs, with 18-year-old Leny Yoro joining from Lille, while the Red Devils boss was able to reunite with his former Ajax star Matthijs de Light, who signed in a £42million move from Bayern Munich.

The Dutch international has featured in all four of Manchester United’s Premier League matches so far this season and scored his first goal for the club in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Southampton.

VIDEO Why Lee Carsley Might Fix England

His arrival came after Bayern Munich fans protested the decision to sell him, with a petition being raised, arguing that his potential and leadership qualities meant they believed the club were making a significant error in letting him go.

However, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl has now defended the decision to sell him, arguing that the 25-year-old struggles to defend higher up the pitch.

"I followed it, including the petition,” Eberl told a press conference, as per the Mirror. “I know that many fans identify with him.

Get FourFourTwo Newsletter

The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

"Nevertheless, I had to make this decision because we also had to sell players. We felt more comfortable with Upamecano and Kim because they can defend higher up the pitch. And then an offer came in for de Ligt."

While this may concern Manchester United fans, they can point to the fact that Ten Hag has worked with the former Juventus man in the past, plus the impression that De Ligt left with the Bayern supporters.

"We all want Matthijs de Ligt to stay at FC Bayern Munich!”, they wrote in their petition protesting his sale. He has proven that he‘s a world class defender, probably the best in our squad.

"Selling Matthijs de Ligt would be an absolutely horrible decision and we would definitely regret it. That‘s why we use our voice to call attention that we will NOT make this mistake!”

Ten Hag and the Old Trafford faithful will be hoping that this weekend’s clean sheet and a first goal from the Dutchman will show that he starting to settle in, as they wait for Yoro to recover from his broken foot to form a partnership that can be at the heart of this summer’s first steps to rebuilding their side.

More Manchester United stories

Sevilla ultras spark 'Manchester United-inspired' protests

Argentine legend reveals Manchester United interest 

Manchester United linked with ‘next Luka Modric’, with view to move next summer: report