As The Priority For Manchester United. According To Reports, Man United And Bayern Munich Are In Contact For The Transfer Of The Dutch International. As Per The Report, The Bavarians Are In Talks With The Manchester United And They Will Allow Him To Leave The Club For A Fee Of £42.5m. Man United Named As Frontrunners To Sign 24-Year-Old Bayern Munich Star.

Manchester United is reportedly prioritizing the signing of a center-back this summer. The departure of Raphael Varane and the uncertain futures of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof have made this a pressing issue.

Lisandro Martinez’s fitness problems have also disrupted Erik ten Hag’s plans this season, with the defender missing significant periods due to injuries. Consequently, Manchester United is actively searching for a new defender to bolster their squad.

One primary target is Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, a former Ajax player who has previously worked under Ten Hag. According to Footballwave, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are in discussions regarding the transfer of the Dutch international. The Red Devils are seen as the leading contenders to sign De Ligt.

Bayern Munich, dissatisfied with De Ligt’s performance after finishing third in the Bundesliga and failing to reach the Champions League final, are open to selling him for £42.5 million. De Ligt, who started only 16 Bundesliga games in the 2023-24 season, lost his spot in the starting lineup to Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-Jae.

Ten Hag would be pleased to reunite with De Ligt, who captained his Ajax team in 2019. Together, they won the domestic double and reached the Champions League semifinal.

De Ligt’s late-season performances for Bayern, especially against Arsenal and Real Madrid in the Champions League, indicate he could significantly improve Manchester United’s defense. The Red Devils struggled defensively in the 2023-24 season, conceding 58 goals in the Premier League and finishing with a negative goal difference.

Securing a solid defender like De Ligt is crucial for Manchester United’s ambitions of competing for trophies in the future. Improving their defensive stability is essential for their success in upcoming seasons.Manchester United’s pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt represents a strategic move to address their defensive frailties. Given the uncertainties surrounding their current center-back options—Raphael Varane’s departure, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof’s uncertain futures, and Lisandro Martinez’s injury issues—De Ligt appears to be a fitting target.

### Context and Rationale
**Raphael Varane’s Departure**: His exit leaves a significant void in Manchester United’s defense, necessitating a strong and reliable replacement.

**Injury Problems**: Lisandro Martinez’s fitness has been a recurring issue, disrupting Erik ten Hag’s defensive plans.

**Performance Issues**: The team’s defensive record last season, conceding 58 goals and ending with a negative goal difference, highlights the urgent need for defensive reinforcements.

### Matthijs de Ligt’s Profile
**Past Collaboration**: De Ligt has previously played under Ten Hag at Ajax, where he was highly successful, leading the team to a domestic double and the Champions League semifinals.

**Experience and Potential**: Despite a challenging season at Bayern Munich, De Ligt has shown his capabilities, particularly in high-stakes matches like those against Arsenal and Real Madrid in the Champions League.

**Versatility and Leadership**: Known for his leadership qualities and versatility, De Ligt could provide the stability and organizational skills needed at Manchester United.

### Transfer Details
**Discussions and Price**: According to Footballwave, discussions between Manchester United and Bayern Munich are underway, with Bayern open to selling De Ligt for £42.5 million.

**Fit with Manchester United’s Needs**: De Ligt’s familiarity with Ten Hag’s style and system could facilitate a smoother transition and immediate impact at Old Trafford.

### Strategic Importance
Securing De Ligt would be crucial for Manchester United’s ambitions. A robust defense is foundational for competing at the highest levels, and De Ligt’s addition could significantly enhance the team’s prospects in both domestic and European competitions.

**Conclusion**
Manchester United’s active pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt, driven by their defensive needs and his alignment with Ten Hag’s tactical approach, underscores their intent to rebuild a formidable defensive line. This move is essential for their long-term strategy and success in future seasons.