Former Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has advised Ajax starlet Matthijs de Ligt to snub the Red Devils in favor of a move to Manchester City. The 19-year-old center-back has been the subject of intense transfer speculation and is expected to make a move in the upcoming transfer window.
Following a spectacular season in which Ajax secured a domestic double and reached the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League, De Ligt's exceptional role in the cause has attracted interest from a host of top European clubs. The likes of Juventus, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are all reportedly pursuing the signing of the teenage star.
Nonetheless, multiple reports from Spain and England suggest that the Blaugrana and the Red Devils are currently locked in a two-way battle in securing the service of the Ajax prodigy. The latter is now believed to be the frontrunner in the pursuit, having reportedly submitted a mammoth offer in order to lure the Netherlands international to the English Premier League.
Currently in camp with the Oranje ahead of the UEFA Nations League semi-final clash with England, De Ligt is expected to make a decision on his future right after his national team commitments. In a recent interview with with ESPN, the Ajax skipper confessed that he had no idea where his will be plying his trade come next season.
With certain indications suggest that Manchester United might be his probable destination, former head coach of the Reds Louis Van Gaal has advised De Ligt against the move. Instead, the 67-year-old who led Ajax to Champions League glory in 1995, has backed the young defender to be successful under the guidance of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
"I think De Ligt fits perfectly with Manchester City,' Van Gaal told FOX Sports.
"Vincent Kompany is already gone and Nicolas Otamendi is not good enough. Then I would love to see him next to Aymeric Laporte.
"Although De Ligt can go to Barcelona too, because I don't like their central defenders either.
"He could play at Barcelona, but he could play for Manchester City also, and in that case I would choose Pep Guardiola over Lionel Messi."
