Matthijs de Ligt has revealed as a boy he dreamed of being Cristiano Ronaldo and he even owned a United shirt with his name on the back.
The 19-year-old centre-back has emerged as one of the hottest talents in Europe after a superb season at the back for Ajax. He captained Ajax to a league and cup double and a Champions League semi-final appearance.
His form has brought about interest from across Europe with United , Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain all keen on the Dutch international.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eyeing an addition in the centre of his defence this summer and United have been keen on the defender but they were dealt a huge blow when they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
The latest reports suggest that he is closing on a move to Serie A giants Juventus where he will link up with his boyhood hero. De Ligt has reportedly agreed a five-year contract at Juve and the prospect of playing with Ronaldo clearly appeals to him.
Speaking to Dutch magazine VI in May, De Ligt explained: “It all went quickly, I realise that sometimes. During the season, at the club and during competitions, you don’t really have the time to review everything as a player.
“But sometimes there are times when I realise that it is not normal. Like recently, when I had dinner with some childhood friends.
“We came to the conclusion that I always wanted to be Cristiano Ronaldo when we were playing football in the garden. That was especially in his time when he played at Manchester United.
“My first football shirt also belonged to him from that time. That dinner was just after the meetings with Juventus, in which I had to fight duels with the same Ronaldo.”
