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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Matthijs de Ligt responds to Manchester United links as Christopher Nkunku alternative touted

Here are your Manchester United evening headlines on Sunday, June 5.

De Ligt responds to United links

United have been heavily linked with Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt in recent weeks. United are in need of a new centre-back this summer and with Erik ten Hag having coached De Ligt, who has struggled since his move to Italy, before this has inevitably led to speculation.

“There are ongoing conversations between me and Juventus," De Ligt told NOS. "Right now I am focused on how I perform on the pitch, once the right moment arrives I will decide to extend or to look further.

ALSO READ: Manchester United can be creative with Frenkie de Jong deal in transfer market

“I look at the sporting project. Ending fourth in a row for two years in a row is not good enough, Juventus knows this too. So being Juventus, we have to make steps. I’m a Juventus player so I’m focused on that."

You can get the full story here.

A possible alternative to Nkunku?

Cristiano Ronaldo was Manchester United's top scorer last season with 24 goals in all competitions. Bruno Fernandes was the only other player to reach double figures and if the team are to succeed under Erik ten Hag then this can not be repeated next season.

One player who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford is Christopher Nkunku. The Frenchman scored 35 goals and registered 20 assists in 51 games last term for RB Leipzig and his qualities would evidently be of use to United.

He usually plays as a second striker but he can also play as a lone number nine, as a number 10 or on either wing. This versatility will be incredibly useful given Ronaldo will likely start up front next season and the team are in need of reinforcements on the right wing.

Continue reading here.

United fans react to Erik ten Hag's reported plans for Donny van de Beek

A whole host of United supporters have welcomed the news that midfielder Donny van de Beek is poised to earn a chance under new manager Erik ten Hag next season.

According to Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, Van de Beek has been informed by Ten Hag that he will be involved in his plans next term. The midfielder joined United from Ajax in 2020 and has so far failed to make much of an impression at Old Trafford.

After a frustrating first 16 months, he joined Everton on loan for the remainder of the 2021/22 season in a bid to spark his career back into life. However, injury issues impacted his chances of kick-starting his career in England, making just seven appearances.

Here's what they said.

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