Manchester United could tap into Matthijs de Ligt's childhood memories as they attempt to sign the defender.
Recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils are seriously considering a move for the Dutchman. Any swoop would be independent of a separate deal for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.
And the Red Devils might get some encouragement after reading De Ligt’s previous comments. During his time with Ajax, he revealed that his childhood hero was Cristiano Ronaldo and even pretended to be the former Man United striker in the garden.
Speaking to Dutch outlet vi.nl, he said: "Everything is going fast. During the season, in the club and during the various competitions, you don't really have time to think about it.
"However, sometimes I realise it, as recently when I had dinner with my childhood friends who I used to play with. We came to the conclusion that I always wanted to be Cristiano Ronaldo when we played soccer in the garden.
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“Especially during the period when he played at Manchester United. That dinner took place immediately after the two challenges against Juventus, in which I had to face Ronaldo."
De Ligt went on to become Ronaldo’s teammate after completing a £67m move to Turin the following month. He spent three years in Italy ahead of a further switch to German giants Bayern in 2022.
Matthijs de Ligt has not yet played at Euro 2024 (Getty Images)Would Matthijs de Ligt be a good signing for Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below
De Ligt has been asked about his future at Euro 2024 but remained tight-lipped. Speaking in a press conference, he said: “I've already said this is not the time for me to think about it.
“We're playing at the Euros now and that's very important for me and the national team. That's why I can't say now what I think about this situation. But what I can say is that I've now played my second season at Bayern - I'm very happy. For now I'm focused on the Euros and then we'll see what happens."
De Ligt, 24, made 30 appearances in all competitions for the German giants last season. He has three years left to run on his contract at the Allianz Arena.
While he endured a difficult season on the club front last term, that has extended into Euro 2024. De Ligt has not played a single minute of the tournament.
The Netherlands squeezed through the last-16 after finishing as one of the best third-placed teams. Ronald Koeman’s men take on surprise package Romania on Tuesday to reach the quarter-finals.
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