Rasmus Hojlund's two-word Matthijs de Ligt transfer verdict amid

Striker Rasmus Hojlund has described Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt as a “good defender” amid reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.

United are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer and have identified the centre-back department as one of the main areas to strengthen. Following the exit of Raphael Varane, it is possible they could sign two new faces for the heart of the defence.

United have already seen a bid knocked back for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and have been linked with a flurry of other names. But De Ligt, who worked with United manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax, is now among those they are being most heavily linked with.

The Netherlands international joined Bayern from Juventus in 2022. He made 30 appearances last season, chipping in with two goals.

Despite only being 24, the Dutchman is already vastly experienced and would add quality to United’s backline. And that was suggested by Hojlund when he was put on the spot by a reporter after Denmark’s 2-0 defeat to Germany in the last-16 of the European Championship on Saturday.

Asked about links connecting De Ligt with Old Trafford, Hojlund told Sky Germany: “That has nothing to do with me, I can’t answer that question. But he is a good defender.”

The Bayern ace, who will turn 25 next month, spent a decade on Ajax’s books, joining the club in 2009 at the age of nine. He progressed through the ranks and established himself as one of the most sought after defenders in Europe.

He played 70 times under Ten Hag at Ajax and played a key role in their fairytale run to the 2019 Champions League semi-finals, where they were just seconds away from reaching the final. He joined Juventus in July 2019 for a reported fee of €75million.

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