Highjacking peoples transfer target won’t help their current situation,at first they forced Madrid target to join them,now they’re about forcing my top target to join them again.. but I will revenge in the community shield final”, Manchester city Pep Guardiola says He will revenge Man united stubbornness for highjacking His top summer transfer target.
Pep Guardiola has expressed frustration over Manchester United’s interference with his transfer targets, especially their pursuit of his top summer priority. Guardiola, who has previously seen Manchester United poach a key target from Real Madrid, is now determined to settle the score in the Community Shield final. This conflict adds an extra edge to the already fierce rivalry between the two clubs.
In related news, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed the club’s interest in acquiring Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt this summer. Since Ten Hag’s appointment, the Red Devils have shown a strong preference for Dutch players, as demonstrated by their first summer signing, Netherlands international Joshua Zirkzee.
In an interview with AD Sportwereld, Ten Hag addressed the rumors surrounding De Ligt. He said, “Whether De Ligt will join us remains uncertain. I’ve known Matthijs for a long time and can’t deny our interest. I tried to sign him two years ago, but he was already committed to Bayern Munich. Our decision to target him now was a collective one, not just mine. We assess players based on their skills, character, and fit for our team, regardless of their nationality.”
Ten Hag also stressed that media scrutiny and public opinion do not dictate their transfer strategy. He reiterated that their main goal is to build the strongest squad possible through a collaborative decision-making process, emphasizing the importance of unity and a shared vision.
Securing De Ligt would significantly bolster Manchester United’s defense. Ten Hag’s preference for Dutch players is clear from previous signings like Tyrell Malacia and the loan of Wout Weghorst. The club’s ongoing pursuit of Frenkie de Jong further highlights this trend. The inclusion of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake in the coaching staff reflects Ten Hag’s strategy of reinforcing the Dutch influence within the club.
Ten Hag clarified that the decision to pursue De Ligt was not forced upon the club but acknowledges the considerable benefits the Dutch defender would bring to their defense. Valued at £55 million, De Ligt is known for his defensive strength and tactical intelligence. He gained prominence under Ten Hag at Ajax before moving to Juventus in 2019. His experience and skills make him an ideal candidate to address United’s defensive issues.
Manchester United recently made headlines with the signing of young talent Leny Yoro. However, to finance De Ligt’s transfer, the club may need to sell players, with Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire as potential departures. Selling these players would generate the required funds and create space for De Ligt’s arrival. This potential restructuring reflects United’s strategic planning and readiness to make difficult decisions for the team’s benefit.
As Guardiola gears up for a transfer showdown, Manchester United continues to strategically build their squad, focusing on integrating Dutch talent under Erik ten Hag’s guidance. This strategy aims to create a cohesive and competitive team, adding an intriguing layer to the upcoming season with its promise of intense competition both on and off the field.