This summer, Manchester United has been instructed to sign a Premier League player rather than Matthijs de Ligt, who is a target for £42 million. If I was to be one of the senior managers of Man United, I will definitely listen to this 💔😒 Hopefully they will accept this

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has cast doubts on Manchester United’s decision to pursue Matthijs de Ligt, fearing he might follow the same path as Raphael Varane at Old Trafford.

Jarrad Branthwaite (Photo by Getty Images)

With Varane’s potential exit, Erik ten Hag—who secured a one-year contract extension at Manchester United despite speculation of his dismissal last season—is in search of a new central defender this summer.

Bayern Munich, after two disappointing seasons with De Ligt, seems willing to transfer the Dutchman to United, and negotiations are reportedly progressing well.

Ten Hag, who previously managed De Ligt at Ajax, is keen to reunite with the 24-year-old at Old Trafford.

Currently, De Ligt is in Germany with the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad but is anticipated to expedite his departure from Bayern post-tournament, with Manchester United being the likely destination.

However, former Sky Sports pundit Thompson remains skeptical about De Ligt’s suitability and believes Manchester United should focus on acquiring Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite instead.

Manchester United had shown interest in the England defender earlier this summer, but their offer was significantly below Everton’s valuation and was promptly rejected.

“Matthijs de Ligt is a good player, but I think Manchester United needs someone familiar with the Premier League,” Thompson told Paddy Power. “They brought in Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, and that didn’t pan out as expected. Bringing De Ligt could involve a settling period, which United cannot afford right now.

“Jarrad Branthwaite is an exceptional player with the potential to become a future England international. If I were in Manchester United’s position, he would be my target.”