Manchester United Passed Up On Matthijs De Ligt Over Weight Concerns

In the latest round of shockers, Ajax star, Matthijs de Ligt was passed up on by Manchester United over fears of the defender growing overweight.

The teenage centre-back has turned into a footballing sensation after his performances for Ajax in the world stage. He has attracted a lot of suitors with his 7 goals and 4 assists in 53 appearances this term and is being hailed as one of the best young talents in all of Europe.

Barcelona are lining up a £75m fee for de Ligt while Juventus and Manchester City have also joined in on the race. However, with United’s backline turning into a giant concern this season, it would have been nice to a young budding leader in their defensive lineup.

The Red Devils were reportedly scouting the Dutchman last season when he broke into the Ajax first team and became their youngest captain. Jose Mourinho had sent his best men to watch the centre-half and had even pushed for a transfer then.

Apparently, it was a decision from United’s hierarchy to drop their interests for the 19-year-old since he was predicted to have weight issues someday.

Just one year later and it is an entirely different story. United are no longer in the Champions League and that has immediately taken them out of the running for de Ligt’s services.