Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has revealed his motivation to join from Bayern Munich was born out of a desire to help the club get “back where it belongs”.

United haven’t challenged for the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson retired upon winning his record-extending 13th in 2013, experiencing a rollercoaster 11 years during that time. But new co-ownership and the injection of a fresh sporting hierarchy has brought optimism.

De Ligt has similarly seen his career stall since a spectacular breakout season with Ajax in 2018/19, with spells at Juventus and Bayern Munich not delivering the success that would have been expected. His ability is not in question and United could be the perfect rejuvenation opportunity.

“I actually really like the project. It’s always nice to go somewhere and to feel that you’re part of a new project, to feel that you’re part of something new,” De Ligt told club media in his first interview since the double arrival from Munich alongside Noussair Mazraoui.

“Hopefully me, but also the other players that are coming now this summer, can give a great piece to the next history of Manchester United and to get the club back where it belongs: on top.”

De Ligt went on to describe United as “one of the biggest clubs in the world”, particular praising their history and the legendary players who have come before him.

“I’m really excited. I actually waited a long time! The whole vacation I was waiting for the message, that it was a done deal, and now finally it is. So I can’t wait to start,” he added.

“There’s a lot of history in this club. I grew up with the team of Cristiano Ronaldo, Vidic, Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes…Edwin van der Sar. I’m speaking about 20 years ago but, like, even [further back] when they won the Champions League [in 1999], the treble…it’s such a big historic club. You can feel this already, it’s in the air here…you can breathe the history.

“It’s an amazing challenge to have now this possibility in England, for one of the biggest clubs in the world, in the biggest competition [the Premier League] in the world. I’m driven by these new challenges; I like to get challenged.”

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