It has been an fascinating pre-season for Manchester United up to now this summer time, with a mix of outcomes, signings and even a number of accidents.
Sadly, two of these issues mixed towards Arsenal final week when the extremely thrilling Leny Yoro was pressured off within the first half with what turned out to be fairly a critical foot harm that can see him sidelined for the following three months.
This horrible luck has left Erik ten Hag mild in central defence, and with the return of the Premier League proper across the nook, the timing could not have been worse.
Nonetheless, primarily based on latest stories, he won’t be for for much longer, as the most recent switch replace pertains to a participant who’d be the right answer to the Dutchman’s present predicament.
Manchester United switch information
In line with a latest report from Sky Sports activities Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have maintained their curiosity in Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt.
In reality, Plettenberg confirmed that the Pink Devils have remained in touch with the German membership to work out a deal that can see him transfer to Previous Trafford this summer time.
No point out is made about how a lot it may cost United to signal the £258k-per-week Dutchman, however stories from earlier this week declare it might value round £42m.
It would not be an affordable deal, however given De Ligt’s capability, it could show nice worth for cash, and he can be an unbelievable particular person to assist cowl for Yoro’s absence earlier than then forming a partnership with him in the long run.
Why De Ligt can be a terrific signing
Okay, so the very first thing to say is that De Ligt can be a unbelievable signing for United, whatever the surrounding circumstances, however now they’re quick a defender following Yoro’s unlucky harm, he can be an unbelievable signing.
So, the very first thing to think about as justification for this opinion are his underlying numbers, that are, unsurprisingly, fairly spectacular.
For instance, in keeping with FBref, which compares gamers in comparable positions throughout Europe’s prime 5 leagues, the “insane” defender, as dubbed by knowledge analyst Ben Mattinson, sits within the prime 4% of centre-backs for move completion, the highest 7% for non-penalty anticipated objectives and whole photographs, the highest 10% for anticipated non-penalty objectives plus assists and progressive passes, the highest 13% for tackles within the attacking third and the highest 15% for touches, all per 90.
De Ligt’s FBref scout report
Stat
Per 90
Percentile
Move Completion
93.1%
Prime 4%
Non-Penalty Anticipated Targets
0.09
Prime 7%
Complete Photographs
0.92
Prime 7%
Non-Penalty Anticipated Targets + Assists
0.13
Prime 10%
Progressive Passes
5.57
Prime 10%
Tackles within the Attacking Third
0.15
Prime 13%
Touches
81.72
Prime 15%
All Stats by way of FBref
This set of stand-out statistics display that whereas the previous Ajax captain can clearly defend, he also can play as a contemporary centre-back and assist out in assault when referred to as upon.
Furthermore, one thing he’ll have the ability to deliver to Ten Hag’s backline that Yoro could not is expertise.
Although he is nonetheless solely 24, the Leiderdorp-born titan has made 117 appearances for Ajax, 117 for Juventus, 73 for Bayern Munich, and 45 for the Netherlands, and up to now in his profession, he has received a league title and a home trophy with each group.
Finally, whereas shedding the younger Frenchman for 3 months is way from ultimate, if United can usher in De Ligt earlier than the season begins, they need to be completely positive, and when he comes again into the aspect, they will have an unbelievable duo on their arms.
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