Matthijs de Ligt vs Jonathan Tah stats show obvious Manchester United transfer decision

Manchester United are in the market for multiple central defenders this summer.

After beginning their business with a £43million bid for Jarrad Branthwaite in June - and increasing their offer in the last week by offering £45m plus £5m in add-ons, which again Everton rejected - United have also pursued other players in the position. Hours after seeing their second proposal to sign Branthwaite, a player they identified as a prime target earlier this year, rejected, the club saw a bid of around £55m accepted by Lille for Leny Yoro. That same day, they also agreed personal terms with Matthijs de Ligt.

The club are open to signing three centre-backs before the transfer window closes. But they have now been linked with a fourth.

READ MORE: De Ligt transfer delay explained as new United stance emerges

READ MORE: Tah has told United what they want to hear amid transfer 'interest'

Sky Germany reported on Monday afternoon that United enquired about Jonathan Tah late last week. The same report also acknowledged that Bayern Munich have been negotiating with his club, Bayer Leverkusen, to sign the defender, but both clubs are yet to reach an agreement. That is seemingly the same scenario as what is playing out between Bayern and United over De Ligt.

With both players spending the last two seasons in Germany since the latter joined the Bavarians from Juventus, the Manchester Evening News has taken the time to see how they have faired as of late. Comparing their stats (via FBref) from the previous two campaigns provides a clear winner who United should prioritise signing over the other.

Looking at defensive actions (per 90 minutes), De Ligt is the more proactive player, making more tackles in the middle third (0.57) of the