Matthijs de Ligt 'won't be a regular partner for Lisandro Martinez' as huge Man Utd transfer moves closer
Matthijs de Ligt is expected to seal his transfer to Man Utd after Euro 2024
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Manchester United fans have been left jubilant by the news that Matthijs de Ligt is nearing a move to Old Trafford.
Yet former Red Devils star Mikael Silvestre doesn't think the Netherlands international will be a regular partner for Lisandro Martinez once his move is officially completed.
According to widespread reports, United are edging closer to a deal for De Ligt.
They have opted to pursue the Bayern Munich star, who previously played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, after having an offer for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite turned down.
Matthijs de Ligt is expected to seal his transfer to Man Utd after Euro 2024
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Many United fans are thrilled with the imminent arrival of the centre-back.
Ten Hag could coax the best from him in ways the likes of Juventus and Bayern Munich have not.
But Silvestre, speaking to Bettingexpert.com, can't see De Ligt being a regular starter at Old Trafford.
"De Ligt hasn't progressed and developed since he left Ajax," said the Frenchman.
"He went to Juventus and now he's at Bayern Munich. He hasn't played much.
"I don't see him being the number one choice at Manchester United even though they have to deal with issues in defence.
"We don't know if Lindelof will stay. Harry Maguire is there but you need one or two centre-backs.
"I don't see De Ligt as the number one choice from the beginning. Maybe he can grow into it.
"But because of his last two years, I don't imagine him being a regular partner for Lisandro Martinez from the start of the season."
Silvestre has, however, hailed United for moving on from Branthwaite so swiftly.
The Red Devils have been poor in the transfer market ever since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement back in 2013.
They have overpaid for players to their peril, with the club struggling over the past decade.
Yet Silvestre thinks United were wise to abandon their pursuit of Branthwaite, who is valued at around £75million.
"Branthwaite is not in the England squad is he? He's not," he said.
"If he was playing at EURO 2024 you could pay that much money but he's not. He's overpriced right now.
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Matthijs de Ligt is expected to partner Lisandro Martinez at Man Utd once his transfer goes through
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"Very good player. One for the future who could definitely be an option for United.
"But at that price, no way the club should do that."
De Ligt isn't expected to be the only arrival at United this summer as they plan for a brighter future.
The club are keen on Manuel Ugarte, with the Paris Saint-Germain star seen as the ideal replacement for Casemiro.
Casemiro, though impressive during his maiden season in England, is expected to leave amid interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Matthijs de Ligt is set to be reunited with Erik ten Hag with the Man Utd boss previously managing the defender at Ajax
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United are pressing ahead with plans to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, too.
And Benfica's Joao Neves, as well as Wolves' Joao Gomes, have been linked with moves to Old Trafford.