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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Dominic Booth

Manchester United told to sign defender who is 'like Liverpool FC star Virgil Van Dijk'

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has instructed his old club to sign Ajax star Matthijs de Ligt to bolster their defence this summer.

The 19-year-old has attracted widespread interest on the back of his sensational performances for the Dutch side on their run to the Champions League semi-finals.

And Berbatov — who also insisted United keep hold of Paul Pogba — believes de Ligt is in the mould of Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk and would prove an excellent signing for the Reds.

“Ole needs a centre-back who can control the ball, pass into midfield and not be intimidated — just like Van Dijk," he told The Sun.

“If I am a striker with Van Dijk in my team, I know it will be OK. They need someone like that. For a player so young, De Ligt’s performances are incredible.

Manchester United might have found a surprise transfer target  

He continued: “He’s mature, comfortable on the ball, and he is not bothered who he plays against — Ronaldo or whoever. He doesn’t care, he just plays his own game.

“He moves with grace and doesn’t panic on the ball. He has everything you want from a defender.

“That guy will be an unbelievable player. He’s a great talent and I hope United go for him in the summer and get him.”

Manchester United might already have an answer to their midfield transfer dilemma  

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