De Ligt: The New Aerial Threat in Manchester United’s Defense

In the event that De Ligt signs with Manchester United, he is likely to replace Raphael Varane as the partner for Lisandro Martinez in central defense. De Ligt’s strength in the air would complement Martinez’s tenacity, making them a formidable team at the back. Despite being slightly shorter than Varane, De Ligt won 2.46 aerial duels per 90 minutes in the 2023-24 season, compared to Varane’s 1.68 (as per FBref.com). On the other hand, Martinez has only won 1.11 aerial duels per 90 minutes since joining Manchester United.

Moreover, De Ligt is comfortable with the ball at his feet, as demonstrated by his impressive 93.1% pass accuracy last season. This was higher than any player at Old Trafford and even surpassed the Bayern Munich squad. Meanwhile, Martinez had a pass accuracy of 92.7%, but no other United defender achieved more than a 90% pass accuracy last season. This suggests that De Ligt could significantly enhance the team’s ability to play out from the back.

At just 19 years old, De Ligt captained Ajax, showcasing his leadership abilities early on in his career. He would undoubtedly be an excellent fit in the heart of Manchester United’s defense, providing stability and guidance to a backline that was under immense pressure last season. With his aerial prowess, passing accuracy, and leadership qualities, De Ligt could be precisely what Manchester United needs to strengthen their defense and improve their overall performance as a team