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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Souness raises questions over De Ligt's ability</li><li>Not the solution to Man Utd's problems</li><li>Joined the Red Devils from Bayern Munich on Tuesday</li></ul>

Matthijs de Ligt slammed for being 'lightweight' as Man Utd's latest signing questioned by ex-Liverpool boss Graeme Souness

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The Red Devils officially <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-utd-season-preview-2024-25/bltcd049758d0516cc1" target="_blank">announced the arrival of the Dutch defender</a> on Tuesday as they paid £38.5m ($49.5m) plus £4.3m ($5.5m) in add-ons to Bayern Munich to secure the signature of the centre-back. De Ligt, 25, has already built an impressive resume, having played for top European clubs such as Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, however, some experts have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/paul-scholes-man-utd-capture-matthijs-de-ligt-bayern-munich-netherlands/blt3298e5afdd1f753f#csef5c8367f8538d54" target="_blank">raised concerns over his abilities</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

One such expert is ex-Liverpool boss Souness, who tagged the Dutchman as a 'lightweight' defender and questioned whether he will be able to solve United's defensive woes. The <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-utd-season-preview-2024-25/bltcd049758d0516cc1" target="_blank">club desperately needed a centre-back</a> with experience at the highest level after Raphael Varane left Old Trafford at the end of the 2023-24 season.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Speaking to <a href="https://x.com/JackFawcett1704/status/1822988508752982149" target="_blank">talkSPORT</a>, the 71-year-old said: "I'm doubtful about De Ligt. He didn't get into the national team during the Euros, he was a squad member. 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."

WHAT GRAEME SOUNESS SAID

The Netherlands international could make his debut in the Premier League on Friday as Erik ten Hag's side take on Fulham at Old Trafford in their 2024-25 curtain raiser.

WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

Matthijs de Ligt slammed for being 'lightweight' as Man Utd's latest signing questioned by ex-Liverpool boss Graeme Souness | Goal.com

Former Liverpool and Rangers Graeme Souness has questioned Manchester United&apos;s decision to sign &apos;lightweight&apos; Matthijs de Ligt.

Matthijs de Ligt slammed for being &apos;lightweight&apos; as Man Utd&apos;s latest signing questioned by ex-Liverpool boss Graeme Souness