Rasmus Hojlund’s two-word transfer verdict on Matthijs de Ligt amid Manchester United links

Striker Rasmus Hojlund has described Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt as a “good defender” amid reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.

United are looking for defensive reinforcements this summer and have identified the centre-back department as one of the main areas to strengthen. Following Raphael Varane’s exit, they are likely to sign two new faces for the heart of the defence.

United have already seen a bid rejected for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and have been linked with a number of other names. But De Ligt, who worked with United manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax, is now among those they are most closely linked with.

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The Dutch international joined Bayern from Juventus in 2022. He made 30 appearances last season, adding two goals.

Despite only being 24, the Dutchman already has a wealth of experience and would add quality to United’s backline. And that’s what Hojlund suggested when he was put on the spot by a reporter after Denmark’s 2-0 defeat by Germany in the last 16 of the European Championship on Saturday.

Asked about De Ligt’s links to Old Trafford, Hojlund told Sky Germany: “That has nothing to do with me, I can’t answer that question. But he is a good defender.”

The Bayern ace, who turns 25 next month, spent a decade on Ajax’s books, joining the club in 2009 as a nine-year-old. He progressed through the ranks and established himself as one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe.

He played 70 times under Ten Hag at Ajax and played a key role in their storied run to the 2019 Champions League semi-finals, where they came just seconds away from reaching the final. He joined Juventus in July 2019 for a reported fee of €75 million.