Bayern Munich all-time great Lothar Matthaus is astounded Matthijs de Ligt was sold to Manchester United.

The Bundesliga giants have so far paired former United target Kim Min-jae and Arsenal-linked Dayot Upamecano in central defence.

But ex-Germany midfielder Matthaus told Sky Sports Germany: “The defence is and remains Bayern’s Achilles heel,

“Matthijs de Ligt was sold, even though he was the most stable defender over the past two years. He was the leader of the backline. Now Bayern are again looking for a successor to David Alaba.

For me, it’s pathetic that this leader is missing. If de Ligt had not been sold, I would not have worries at (about) FC Bayern now

“But my opinion about him is probably different to the people in charge. It’s a decision that has to be accepted.

“But many – including within the team – are just shaking their heads. Because the players also know that their defence is shaky. And then the best defender is sold.”