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Bayern Munich and Germany legend Lothar Matthäus has questioned why his former side sanctioned the sale of Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United.
The Dutch defender agreed personal terms with the club back in June but waited until August before United finally agreed a deal with the Bavarian giants.
The 25 year old has made a couple of appearances from the bench this season but he is still awaiting his first start for the Red Devils as he works his way up to match fitness.
After a poor performance from Harry Maguire last Saturday against Brighton and Hove Albion, it is possible that this Sunday’s blockbuster encounter against Liverpool will provide De Ligt with his first start in a United shirt.
One man who is not happy with the former Ajax star’s exit from Bavaria is German footballing legend Lothar Matthäus.
Writing in his Sky Germany column (via getfootballnewsgermany.com) he lambasted the state of Bayern’s defence and queried how the sale of a player like De Ligt would do anything to rectify the situation.
“The defence is and remains Bayern’s Achilles heel. Matthijs de Ligt was sold, even though he was the most stable defender over the past two years. He was the leader of the backline.”
“Now Bayern are again looking for a successor to David Alaba. For me, it’s pathetic that this leader is missing. After all, we are talking about FC Bayern. All the centre backs currently in the Bayern squad have to be clear with themselves first.”
“If De Ligt had not been sold, I would not have worries at FC Bayern now. But my opinion about him is probably different to the people in charge. It’s a decision that has to be accepted. But many – including within the team – are just shaking their heads. Because the players also know that their defence is shaky. And then the best defender for many is sold.”
The strong words of support for the defender contrast sharply to what has been said about the summer capture by an array of British pundits and former players.
Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand have both criticised the signing and questioned why United have made a move for a player who is deemed not good enough by Bayern Munich and Ferdinand in particular claimed that the Dutchman was “not the answer” to United’s problems.
Nonetheless, former Liverpool and German midfielder Dietmar Hamann has echoed Matthäus’ view that he wouldn’t have sold the player and that the Bavarians will be missing their leader at the back.
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