'I wasn't a fan of Man Utd's De Ligt - this is why I didn't want him in my team' (original) (raw)
Matthijs de Ligt secured the third big-money move of his career when joining Manchester United - but did so after becoming the fourth-choice centre back at Bayern Munich
The Dutch defender joined Manchester United for £42million
Thomas Tuchel believed Matthijs de Ligt's build-up play was too slow - which allowed for his departure to Manchester United.
The 25-year-old clinched a move to the Premier League giants for £42million last month, just two years after joining the German club in a £68million move from Juventus.
Despite breaking onto the scene at just 18 years of age with Ajax under current United boss Erik ten Hag, the progress of the Dutch international has somewhat been stunted in recent years.
In his last season in Germany, De Ligt found himself as Tuchel's fourth-choice central defender, behind Kim Min-jae, Dayot Upamecano, and ex-Tottenham Hotspur star, Eric Dier.
According to tz, a Munich-based tabloid with regular access to Bayern matches, the reasons behind the Dutchman's slide down the pecking order in Bavaria was due to Tuchel's annoyance with his style of play.
The former Chelsea boss reportedly believed that De Ligt was too slow when building up play and is a repeat offender of playing too many sideways passes.
De Ligt has already turned out three times for United since signing and had his first start in their 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Thomas Tuchel was reportedly not a fan of the Dutch defender (
Image:
Getty Images)
Due to Stefan de Vrij's muscular injury, De Ligt reclaimed his spot in the starting line-up alongside Virgil van Dijk during the Nations League this past week where he had a tough time in clashes against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Germany.
The defender was substituted at half-time in the 2-2 draw with Germany on Tuesday (September 10) after playing a part in both goals conceded. Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman admitted he "protected" the defender by hooking him at the break.
"Of course I would rather have kept [Matthijs de Ligt] on the pitch," Koeman told Dutch broadcaster NOS. It just looks like he is now in a period where all his mistakes are being punished. I gave him a new chance today but eventually I protected him by taking him off."
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