Manchester United’s new defender Matthijs de Ligt has spoken out for the first time since officially joining the team.

De Ligt has joined Manchester United from Bayern Munich on a five-year deal, with the option of a further year, for a fee of £38.5m plus £4.3m in bonuses.

The Netherlands international defender is excited to join the Red Devils and reunite with Erik ten Hag, having previously teamed up at Ajax in his home league. 

Speaking for the first time as a Red Devil, the 25-year-old defender said: “As soon as I heard Manchester United wanted me I was excited about the opportunity for a new challenge at a club with such history.

“In the conversations I had, I was impress by the vision of football that was present and the role they saw in me.” 

“Erik Ten Hag shaped me at the start of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I can’t wait to work with him again.” 

“I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level and I am determine to continue my record at this special club.”

Signing a central defender was always likely to be a priority for the Red Devils during the summer transfer window after losing Raphael Varane at the end of his contract. Leny Yoro arrived at Old Trafford from Lille, but the young defender is likely to be a player for the future rather than a ready-made option for Erik ten Hag.

Despite Bayern being willing to offload De Ligt this summer UFABET, there’s a good chance he can slot straight in and improve United’s starting XI. During the 2023/2024 season, ten Hag was force to regularly use veteran defender Jonny Evans, while Casemiro often had to be deploy in a centre-back role due to injuries.