Matthijs de Ligt can finally fulfil his Erik ten Hag prediction at Manchester United

Matthijs de Ligt has agreed personal terms with Manchester United as he moves a step closer to a reunion with Erik ten Hag.

The pair worked together at Ajax with De Ligt rising to fame in Ten Hag's team by playing a key role in their league and cup success in the Netherlands.

But it was Ajax's surprise run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 where he first caught the attention of Europe's biggest clubs before completing a move to Juventus that same summer.

De Ligt is now plying his trade at Bayern Munich but struggled last term with United looking to take advantage of any unhappiness he may be feeling in Bavaria. New sporting director Dan Ashworth is looking to sign two new centre-backs this summer and De Ligt fits the bill perfectly.

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The 24-year-old should be entering the prime of his career and already has big club experience from his time at Bayern. Whilst things have not gone well in recent times for the Dutch defender, a potential reunion with Ten Hag may see a return to his best form under a manager who got the best out of him.

And previous comments made about United's manager may offer a clue as to how the pair see each other. "He is someone who loves his job and he loves to work," De Ligt said shortly after United confirmed Ten Hag's appointment in 2022.

"He wants to do everything to make his team play better. He's really into the details. This makes him a really good trainer who improves players. He has a lot of qualities to succeed and we will have to see how he goes.”

Many of the complaints directed towards Ten Hag since arriving at Old Trafford have been over the style of play. United have looked muddled and disorganised, particularly last season where they ended the Premier League campaign in eighth, their lowest finish since 1989/90.

But with De Ligt at centre-back alongside Lisandro Martinez, United may finally be able to deliver the football Bayern's Dutch international predicted Ten Hag would deliver.