Rio Ferdinand has emerged as the latest Manchester United icon to express doubts about the acquisition of Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt.
United have struck a deal to bring the centre-back from Bayern Munich for £38.6 million, plus an additional £4.3 million in potential add-ons.
Noussair Mazraoui is also set to join Old Trafford in a separate transaction, which is anticipated to finalize once Aaron Wan-Bissaka completes his transfer to West Ham United.
This move will push United’s total spending on defensive upgrades this summer to over £100 million, having already signed Leny Yoro, who will be sidelined for three months due to a broken metatarsal sustained in his second appearance for the club.
While Yoro’s acquisition was widely celebrated as a significant gain, de Ligt’s upcoming transfer has raised concerns among former players, with Paul Scholes labeling the Netherlands international as ‘second-rate.’
Ferdinand shares similar apprehensions, noting that de Ligt’s previous stints at Juventus and Bayern Munich were ‘disappointing,’ and expresses skepticism about whether he can succeed at Old Trafford.
‘Mazraoui will take the right-back spot as Wan-Bissaka is set to be sold. I believe that’s a solid deal overall. I still think [Diogo] Dalot will play ahead of him,’ Ferdinand commented on Rio Reacts.
‘Regarding De Ligt… I saw him at Ajax; he was exceptional during that season when they reached the semi-final with Ten Hag before being defeated by Spurs. He was authoritative, everything you wanted in a defender, calm and collected.
‘Then he moved to Juventus, which seemed like a great opportunity. A defender learning from experienced players like [Leonardo] Bonucci and [Giorgio] Chiellini. But I’m left disappointed by how his career has unfolded since then.
‘He only made 16 starts last season. He’s struggled with injuries and hasn’t featured in many games over the past few years, yet Manchester United are investing £45-50 million in him. He’s been a backup at two other clubs.
‘I think it’s a considerable challenge for him. A significant opportunity, but there’s considerable uncertainty following his time at Juventus and Bayern Munich.
‘I’m not convinced he’s the solution. However, it’s a great chance for him to prove himself and show what he’s capable of.
‘Ten Hag knows him well, his character, and his persona. I hope he performs well, but I’m holding off on my judgment for now.
‘If Yoro and Martinez were both fit, they’d be the first choices. No one else would get a look-in, but Yoro is now out for three months. Is de Ligt currently fit to play? Eric Dier was starting ahead of him and was considered surplus at Spurs. That says a lot. This signing doesn’t exactly excite me. Hopefully, Ten Hag can get the best out of him.’