Manchester United have been busy this summer and have landed their most high-profile signing yet in the form of Dutch defender Mathias De Ligt.
The 25-year-old built a strong reputation as a youngster with Ajax before signing for Juventus and then Bayern Munich, where he played for two seasons.
However, he fell out of favour at the Allianz Arena and United have taken advantage, bolstering their defensive ranks for a fee which could reportedly rise to €50million.
They have also added Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui to their ranks in a double-singing from the German club.
De Ligt has plenty of experience for his age and is expected to provide stern competition for first-choice central defenders Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.
Welkom, Matthijs! 🤝
We are delighted to announce the signing of @MdeLigt_04 from Bayern Munich ✍️ #MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 13, 2024
The much-maligned Maguire is fresh off a strong season with the club but still has his critics having failed to initially live up to his transfer fee at Old Trafford.
United had already signed centre-back Leny Yoro earlier in the window but he is due to miss the start of the season through injury.
Tim Sherwood downplays De Ligt signing with Maguire comparison
Former Tottenham manager and current Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood does not seem to share the enthusiasm of United supporters when it comes to De Ligt if his comments are anything to go by.
The former Premier League-winning captain offered a sobering response when asked about the move on the network on Tuesday evening.
While many fans will expect De Ligt to walk into the starting XI, Sherwood is not so sure and questioned whether the player is good enough to warrant displacing Maguire from the team.
If I were a United fan I wouldn't be jumping up and down with excitement," Sherwood stated.
"When he was a younger player he was a very good prospect but he has gone to a big club and lost his way - he needs to find a rhythm again.
"Ten Hag needs to work with him. For that kind of money, you'd expect him to play but there is no guarantee because he has made some big money signings and they have sat on the bench next to him.
"I'm sure the new hierarchy will say 'we got him for you, you'll need to bed him in'.
"Is he better than Harry Maguire? I am not sure. He certainly isn't better than Martinez."
🗣️ "If I were a United fan I wouldn't be jumping up and down with excitement"
Tim Sherwood discusses Manchester United's signing of Matthijs de Ligt 🔴 pic.twitter.com/qfeiRlY7de— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 13, 2024
Sherwood concluded by reiterating he would not be 'too excited' about their latest acquisition.
Judging by social media, it seems the majority of the club's supporters disagree with his sentiments.
