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Manchester United have had an impressive first summer under minority stakeholders INEOS led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, appointing new executives at board level as well.
The new-look recruitment team have brought in reinforcements to Erik ten Hag’s squad that finished 8th in the Premier League and won the FA Cup last season, earning their ticket to the Europa League.
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Following a season that was marred by injury woes and leaking of goals, a centre-back was a top priority for United heading into the summer.
United looked at Jean-Clair Todibo as a potential target but the move didn’t materialise due to UEFA rules with INEOS owning OGC Nice as well.
The Red Devils then turned to Everton’s Jarrad Brainthwaite however there was a gap in valuation between the two clubs with the Merseyside club holding out on a fee worth £75 million.
Manchester United shifted their focus to Matthijs de Ligt, who has previously worked with Erik ten Hag at Ajax and personal terms were not a problem as they were quickly agreed between the two parties.
Despite the two clubs taking too long to agree on a fee, ten Hag finally got his man on a €45m plus €5m in add-ons alongside Noussair Mazroui on €20m plus add-ons in what was a double deal for a combined €60m package,
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Bayern director reveals why they sold Matthijs de Ligt
Now, Bayern Munich director Max Eberl has shed light on the reason behind selling the Dutch defender with a section of Bayern fans still not over his departure.
When asked why the club sold Matthijs de Ligt, he said: “I understand that there are fan favourites, but we don’t make decisions based on fan favourites.
“We made decisions with Kompany regarding defense, we wanted a left-footed defender.”
Bayern manager, Vincent Kompany also denied claims that he told the 25-year-old centre-back that he is his number one defender before being sold.
“It would have been so stupid of me to say something like that. It wouldnt fit with what we’ve planned for the entire squad. It makes no sense,” he said.
Eberl emphasised the importance of trimming the squad, using Chelsea as an example and also touched on balancing the books when continuing to explain the decision to sell De Ligt.
“You cant go in to the season with 35 players or do like Chelsea with 45 players. We spent money on Olise, Palhinha and Hiroki. So, as a club you have to generate money,” he stated.
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