What Jose Mourinho has said about Matthijs de Ligt amid Manchester United transfer links

Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has previously waxed lyrical about the intelligence of Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt amid reports linking him with a move to Old Trafford.

United, who will get their Premier League campaign under way at home to Brighton & Hove Albion in just six weeks time, are desperate to strengthen their defensive options this summer and have pinpointed Ajax ace Jurrien Timber as their top target. However, Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder has admitted that he expects the Netherlands international to stay at the Johan Cruyff Arena, meaning United might have to be forced to look elsewhere.

Reports in the national media have suggested that the Reds have already started doing that by registering an interest in De Ligt, who is also wanted by Chelsea. The Netherlands international has reportedly failed to agree terms over a new contract and Juventus are prepared to listen to offers for him this summer.

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If United were to make themselves serious contenders for the 22-year-old, it could mean that De Ligt may be reunited with former boss and now-United manager Erik ten Hag. The duo worked together at Ajax until the former was poached by Juventus back in 2019.

De Ligt established himself as one of the best, young defenders in European football, producing a plethora of eye-catching displays for the Dutch giants. He also played a formidable role in helping them reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.

And it was after his performance and scoring against Tottenham Hotspur at the semi-final stage that earned De Ligt, who was only 19 at the time, special praise from Mourinho, who