Kompany insists on keeping defender despite interest from Man Utd

Speculation in the media has suggested that the Belgian head coach played a role in the decision to sell De Ligt to United this summer.

However, a new report from The Athletic states that Kompany actually wanted to keep hold of the defender.

He told the Dutchman that he would be his no.1 defender this season, but club brass pushed ahead with the sale.

De Ligt, who is only 25, joined United along with Noussair Mazraoui from the Bavarian giants.

The Red Devils will hope that he can shine under former boss Erik ten Hag this term.