Matthijs de Ligt said “Erik ten Hag knows how to get the best out of me” after his transfer to Manchester United from Bayern Munich was confirmed.

United announced the signing of De Ligt for €45m (£38.4m) with a potential further €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons on Tuesday night and the defender has signed a five-year contract.

De Ligt previously worked with Ten Hag at Ajax, where he established himself as one of Europe’s finest prospects, and he’s since played for Juventus and Bayern Munich.

The 25-year-old is a much-needed defensive addition at Old Trafford and could make his debut for United on the opening day of the Premier League season against Fulham.

After De Ligt’s transfer to United was confirmed, he praised the influence of Ten Hag on his early career so far and said: “As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such an historic club.

“In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out and the role they saw for me in it. Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again.

“I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”

United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, said: “Matthijs is an outstanding defender and proven winner who will add quality, experience and leadership to our existing group of senior players.

“He has already enjoyed considerable success in his career, and we are convinced that his best years are still ahead; we want to help him achieve them at Manchester United.”

De Ligt has signed for United from Bayern and his teammate Noussair Mazraoui has followed him to Manchester, with United also confirming the full-back’s transfer on Tuesday.