The 25-year-old arrived in August from Bayern Munich, making the same journey, on the same day, as right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
His new venture with United is the second time he's worked under Ten Hag, as the two met first at Ajax, where De Ligt rose through the youth ranks. They went on to win the Eredivisie title together and unexpectedly stormed to the Champions League semi-final, bowing out to Tottenham Hotspur following late drama at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
The centre-back credits Ten Hag as a crucial factor in selecting Old Trafford as his new home, appreciating the working culture he implements on the squad.