Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel sends blunt warning to 'unhappy' £68m Man Utd target

Thomas Tuchel insists 'intense' competition is normal at a club like Bayern Munich amid reports that the Manchester United target is unhappy with being fourth-choice centre-back.

De Ligt has fallen down the pecking order in central defence since Tuchel took over as manager in March of last year. The Dutch international has started just 11 games across all competitions and was an unused substitute during Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen.

January arrival Eric Dier was picked ahead of De Ligt for that game and the out-of-favour defender reacted angrily, responding to reports he was injured with the words 'top fit'. The 24-year-old is thought to be unhappy at his status within the squad but Tuchel insists competition is normal.

"I don't have any numbers or rankings in my office," the Bayern boss said when asked if De Ligt was his fourth-choice centre-back. "Matthijs is one of four centre-backs. There's no number 1 or 4. Everyone is fighting for places. Competition in that position is very intense. Everyone has the chance to play every week. It's a normal situation for Bayern Munich."

A recent report from HITC suggests United are among three Premier League teams keeping a close eye on the situation in Germany, with De Ligt a potential transfer target for the summer. Arsenal and Liverpool are also thought to be monitoring things.

De Ligt's representatives are said to be laying foundations for a potential summer exit from Bayern, if Tuchel remains in charge by that point and the defender's situation doesn't improve.

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund was also quizzed about De Ligt's angry reaction but insisted the defender has handled the situation 'professionally'.

“Of course it was a disappointment for him, but we are happy to have him with us," Freund said. "We have a lot of competition. Matthijs knows this, he handles it professionally, is a top professional.”