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 involvement in his transfer plans, particularly concerning his primary summer target. Having previously seen Manchester United swoop in and secure a key target from Real Madrid, Guardiola is eager for payback during the upcoming Community Shield final. This adds another layer of tension to the already fierce rivalry between the two clubs.
Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed the club’s interest in Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt for this summer. Since Ten Hag’s appointment, United has shown a marked interest in Dutch players, highlighted by their acquisition of Netherlands international Joshua Zirkzee as their first summer signing.
In a conversation with AD Sportwereld, Ten Hag discussed the rumors about De Ligt, saying, “It’s uncertain if De Ligt will join us. I’ve known Matthijs for a long time, and I won’t hide our interest. I tried to sign him two years ago, but he was already set on joining Bayern Munich. This decision to target him now was made collectively, not just by me. We aim to evaluate players based on their abilities, character, and fit within our team, regardless of nationality.”
Ten Hag stressed that media criticism and public perception do not affect their transfer decisions. He reiterated that the club’s main goal is to assemble the best possible squad through collaborative decision-making. This approach highlights the importance of unity and a shared vision in building a competitive team.
If successful, signing De Ligt would greatly bolster Manchester United’s defense. Ten Hag’s preference for Dutch players is evident, as seen in previous signings like Tyrell Malacia and the loan of Wout Weghorst. United’s continued pursuit of Frenkie de Jong further emphasizes this trend. Additionally, the inclusion of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake in the coaching staff reflects Ten Hag’s strategy of fostering a strong Dutch presence within the club.
Ten Hag insists that the decision to pursue De Ligt was not imposed on the club but acknowledges the substantial benefits the Dutch defender would bring to their backline. Valued at £55 million, De Ligt is known for his defensive skills and tactical intelligence. He first rose to prominence under Ten Hag at Ajax before moving to Juventus in 2019. His experience and abilities make him an ideal candidate to address United’s defensive weaknesses.
Manchester United recently made headlines by acquiring young talent Leny Yoro. However, to fund De Ligt’s transfer, the club may need to offload players, with Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire as potential candidates for departure. Selling these players would not only generate the necessary funds but also make room in the squad for De Ligt’s arrival. This potential restructuring highlights United’s strategic planning and willingness to make tough decisions for the team’s improvement.
As Guardiola prepares for a confrontation over transfer issues, Manchester United continues to strategically build their squad, focusing on integrating Dutch talent under Erik ten Hag’s leadership. This strategic approach aims to create a cohesive and strong team capable of competing at the highest levels. The ongoing transfer saga adds an intriguing subplot to the upcoming season, promising intense competition and dramatic moments both on and off the field.