Bayern Munich reveal Matthijs de Ligt concern which led to Man Utd sale
- De Ligt joined Man Utd for £42.9m in summer transfer window
- Dutch defender fell out of favour at Bayern
- Ten Hag defends De Ligt after difficult international break
By Tom Gott
Bayern Munich director Max Eberl has admitted the club did not feel Matthijs de Ligt was suitable for the club's aggressive style of defending, prompting his departure to Manchester United.
De Ligt joined United in a deal worth up to £42.9m during the summer after losing his spot in the starting lineup and learning he would face a battle for minutes under new manager Vincent Kompany, who has favoured the pairing of Dayot Upamecano and Kim-Min jae.
The Dutchman's departure was not a popular one among fans, who had started a huge petition urging Bayern to keep hold of De Ligt before his eventual exit.
Asked to explain Bayern's decision to offload De Ligt, Eberl said: "I followed [the fan response], including the petition. I know that many fans identify with him.
"Nevertheless, I had to make this decision because we also had to sell players. We felt more comfortable with Upamecano and Kim because they can defend higher up the pitch. And then an offer came in for De Ligt."
De Ligt scored his first United goal in the weekend's 3-0 win over Southampton - a much-needed confidence boost after an international break littered with costly errors from the centre-back.
"At this moment he is not fit, he's not at 100% speed," United boss Erik ten Hag said after the win. "He needs the games to go up to it.
“We see glimpses now and once he's there he will do much better. We are happy with him and especially today with his game."
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