Matthijs De Ligt claims that Man United's 'new project' under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS convinced him to complete the £38.5m move from Bayern Munich

• e-mail

New Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has revealed that the new project under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS attracted him to Old Trafford. 

The Dutch defender completed his move to Red Devils from Bayern Munich alongside his colleague Noussair Mazraoui for a combined £60million fee.  

Their signings marked the fourth additions to the first team roster this summer, while there have been a host of new faces off the field with the likes of Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox arriving in technical roles from other Premier League clubs.

The changes, driven by Ratcliffe in his efforts as minority owner to return the club to its former glories, have raised excitement and expectation within the fanbase. 

And De Light has revealed that United's pitch was particularly important in his decision to depart Munich this summer. 

Matthijs de Ligt has spoken of his desire to help Manchester United add to their illustrious history in his first interview since joining the club

The 25-year-old signed a five-year-deal that will keep him at the club until 2029. He will wear the No 4 jersey

De Light and Noussair Mazraoui (middle right) have been reunited with their former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag (left)

'I actually really like the project,' He told the club's in-house media in his first interview as a United player. '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.

'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.

Read More

Paul Scholes brands £43m Matthijs de Ligt a 'SECOND-RATE defender'

'Besides that, it's an amazing club, one of the biggest clubs in the world, with an amazing history, a lot of amazing players, amazing defenders.

'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.' 

De Ligt will wear the No 4 jersey, previously worn by players including Steve Bruce, David May and Phil Jones. Mazraoui has opted to take the No 3 Jersey, which has been worn by the likes of Denis Irwin, Phil Neville and Patrice Evra.

United had intensified their search for a new centre back and a pair of full backs on both sides of defence at the beginning of the transfer window, having struggled with a raft of injuries to key defenders last season.

De Ligt and Mazraoui have now reunited with their former coach, Ten Hag, with both having spent time working under the Dutch manager at Ajax. 

United have instituted changes off the field with a host of new faces tasked with restoring the club to its former glories. Pictured (L-R): Ineos Head of Sport Sir Dave Brailsford, CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashwrorth and techinal director Jason Wilcox

The Dutch international also discussed his relationship with his fellow new arrival and claimed that their familiarity with stand the club in good stead. 

'What can I tell you about Nous? He is an amazing guy, an amazing player.' He added. 'I've known him already for a long time - I think around 10 years now. There's a reason we always come together, like before in Ajax, then at Bayern Munich, now at Manchester United.

'I think it is a special relationship and I'm really happy and glad that he's also going to be here, and I think we can help each other a lot.' 

The duo are in line to make their debuts on Friday night as United open the top-flight campaign against Fulham at Old Trafford.