Sir Alex Ferguson's former right-hand man, Rene Meulensteen, has tipped Matthijs de Ligt to prosper – should he join Manchester United.
Bayern Munich's centre-half De Ligt has been on United's radar all summer. He looked certain to move to Old Trafford before the club splashed out £58million on 18-year-old centre-half Leny Yoro.
The Red Devils then refused to match Bayern's £42m asking price, with no movement on a deal since. However, Yoro's estimated three months on the sidelines – a result of an injury picked up in a 2-1 friendly defeat to Arsenal – could force United back to the table.
Dutch coach Muelensteen believes that De Ligt would improve United's backline in Yoro's absence, amid rumours that Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire may depart.
Meulensteen was an assistant to Ferguson at United, beginning his career with the club in 2001, and becoming a first-team coach in 2007. He was part of three Premier League title wins and a Champions League triumph before leaving in 2013.
He believes De Ligt would not join United’s list of big-money let-downs and that a reunion with the Dutchman''s former boss, Erik ten Hag, would get the best out of him. "Matthijs de Ligt can reach his potential in the Premier League," Meulensteen told BoyleSports, who offer the latest Champions League betting, in a clear vote of confidence for Ten Hag and what he is trying to do at Old Trafford.
"He is a player who suits the division. He is strong and powerful, and it helps that Erik ten Hag knows him. De Ligt was flying at Ajax when Ten Hag was there, and he was one of the best players in Holland.
"I think the move to Juventus didn’t quite work, and his career stalled at Bayern Munich because they might not think he is good enough on the ball. But United need strengthening and he will do that at centre back."
United's big-money signings often don't live up to their full potential. Meulensteen believes De Ligt wouldn't suffer the same fate if he joined, despite Gary Neville previously citing Bruno Fernandes as the only recruit who has lived up to expectations in the last decade.
"You think, ‘how has that happened, why is that happening time and time again?’, that players with great reputations come into Old Trafford and they just don’t work," Neville said on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.
"Whether its [Ángel] Di Maria, [Bastian] Schweinsteiger, [Radamel] Falcao, whether it’s [Paul] Pogba, whether it’s [Harry] Maguire, [Mason] Mount this season, [Raphaël] Varane - every player.
"I think over the last 10 years, there’s only be one player that United have signed that I think has actually lived up to expectations, or achieved what he has previous and that’s Bruno Fernandes."
At just 24, De Ligt still has along career ahead him, with a lot to prove. United could take the gamble by parting with a hefty sum, and hoping that the Dutchman isn't a let-down like so many big names before him.