Man Utd new boy De Ligt labelled ‘lightweight’ by ex-Liverpool boss
Matthijs de Ligt slammed for being ‘lightweight’ as Man Utd’s latest signing questioned by ex-Liverpool boss Graeme Souness
Former Liverpool and Rangers manager Graeme Souness has questioned Manchester United’s decision to sign ‘lightweight’ Matthijs de Ligt.
The Red Devils officially announced the arrival of the Dutch defender on Tuesday as they paid £38.5m ($49.5m) plus £4.3m ($5.5m) in add-ons to Bayern Munich to secure the signature of the centre-back. De Ligt, 25, has already built an impressive resume, having played for top European clubs such as Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, however, some experts have raised concerns over his abilities.
One such expert is ex-Liverpool boss Souness, who tagged the Dutchman as a ‘lightweight’ defender and questioned whether he will be able to solve United’s defensive woes. The club desperately needed a centre-back with experience at the highest level after Raphael Varane left Old Trafford at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the 71-year-old said: “I’m doubtful about De Ligt. He didn’t get into the national team during the Euros, he was a squad member. He’s been at two enormous football clubs, they normally don’t like to sell players. That in itself tells a story. I’m not sure he is what Man United needs at this time. Jonny Evans played 23 times for Man United, they desperately need a centre-half. I look at De Ligt, he’s a lightweight centre-half. What you want from a centre-half first and foremost is to defend.”
The Netherlands international could make his debut in the Premier League on Friday as Erik ten Hag’s side take on Fulham at Old Trafford in their 2024-25 curtain raiser.
