Graeme Souness voices doubts over Man Utd's 'lightweight' Matthijs de Ligt

The 25-year-old, who joins from Bayern Munich for £38.5million plus £4.3million in add-ons, has been labelled a "lightweight" by the former Liverpool and Rangers manager, who doubts his ability to address Manchester United's defensive issues.

De Ligt, previously with Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, arrives at Old Trafford amid the club's need for a centre-back with experience following Raphael Varane's departure at the end of the 2023-24 season.

"I'm doubtful about De Ligt. He didn't get into the national team during the Euros, he was a squad member," Souness told talkSPORT.

"He's been at two enormous football clubs, they normally don't like to sell players. That in itself tells a story.

"I'm not sure he is what Man United needs at this time. Jonny Evans played 23 times for Man United, they desperately need a centre-half.

"I look at De Ligt, he's a lightweight centre-half. What you want from a centre-half first and foremost is to defend."

Despite Souness' concerns, de Ligt could make his Premier League debut on Friday when Manchester United faces Fulham in their 2024-25 season opener at Old Trafford.

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