Bayern Munich chief Max Eberl has defended selling Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United after uproar from supporters, insisting the club felt Dayot Upamecano and Kim min-Jae were stronger options in defence.
De Ligt joined United for around £42million and became one of their biggest signings of the summer, instantly coming in to form a partnership with Lisandro Martinez.
The Dutch defender was a popular figure at Bayern, however, and news of his possible departure led to a petition from supporters attempting to stop it from happening.
However, Bayern's sporting director Eberl stood by the club's decision to cash in on De Ligt while offering a concerning explanation for United boss Erik ten Hag by claiming the player struggled to defend high up the pitch.
"I followed it, including the petition. I know that many fans identify with him," he told a press conference. "Nevertheless, I had to make this decision because we also had to sell players. We felt more comfortable with Upamecano and Kim because they can defend higher up the pitch. And then an offer came in for de Ligt."
The petition insisted that it would be a huge mistake to part ways with De Ligt as it outlined his potential and leadership qualities.
"We all want Matthijs de Ligt to stay at FC Bayern Munich!" it said. "He has proven that he‘s a world class defender, probably the best in our squad.
"Selling Matthijs de Ligt would be an absolutely horrible decision and we would definitely regret it. That‘s why we use our voice to call attention that we will NOT make this mistake!
De Ligt has risen to prominence as one of Europe's most highly-rated defenders after emerging as a hot young talent with Ajax aged just 18 in the 2018-19 season.
He moved to Juventus for around £67m in 2019, playing 117 times for the Serie A side before joining Bayern for £65m three years later. He has won a league title in each of the leagues he has played in so far - the Eredivisie in Holland, the Scudetto in Italy and the Bundesliga in Germany.
De Ligt made his United debut in their Premier League opening day clash against Fulham last month, coming on a sub, before making his first start in the 3-0 home loss to Liverpool. He has already scored his first goal for the club in the 3-0 win over Southampton this weekend.