Manchester United have made a significant statement of intent for the upcoming season by securing the £60 million double signing of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. The acquisitions were announced on the same day as Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s £15 million move to West Ham.
Erik ten Hag, United’s manager, had been vocal about the need for reinforcements, particularly in defense, after last season’s struggles. His call for action has been answered emphatically, with the arrivals of De Ligt and Mazraoui.
Matthijs de Ligt, the 25-year-old Dutch defender, reunites with Ten Hag, who played a crucial role in shaping his early career at Ajax. De Ligt’s return to Ten Hag’s tutelage has sparked excitement, not just among fans but also within the player himself.
“As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity of a new challenge at such a historic club,” De Ligt said after signing a five-year contract, with the option for an additional year. “Erik 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.”
De Ligt brings a wealth of experience to Old Trafford, having won league titles with Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich. His signing is seen as a direct response to the defensive challenges United faced last season, particularly with the departure of Raphaël Varane and the injury to fellow summer signing Leny Yoro, who is expected to be sidelined for up to three months. The Dutch international’s transfer fee is reported to be an initial £38.5 million, with potential add-ons pushing the total to around £42.8 million.
The addition of Noussair Mazraoui further strengthens United’s backline. The 26-year-old Moroccan full-back also has a history with Ten Hag from their time together at Ajax, where they won three league titles. Mazraoui continued his success at Bayern Munich, adding another league title to his resume.
His experience on the international stage, including 28 caps for Morocco and a key role in their 2022 World Cup semi-final run, makes him a valuable asset for United. Mazraoui’s fee is reported to be £12.8 million, with an additional £4.3 million in potential add-ons.
Mazraoui’s arrival coincides with the confirmed departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who joins West Ham after an inconsistent spell at Old Trafford. Mazraoui is expected to bring defensive solidity and attacking prowess to the right-back position, offering Ten Hag tactical flexibility in both domestic and European competitions.
The double signing reflects United’s strategic approach to the transfer market, focusing on players who not only bring individual talent but also fit into Ten Hag’s system. Both De Ligt and Mazraoui are familiar with the manager’s methods, which could ease their transition into the Premier League.
United’s summer transfer activity has seen them strengthen in key areas, signaling their ambition to compete at the highest level in the upcoming season. The club has already been active in the transfer market, with the signing of young French defender Leny Yoro earlier in the window. However, Yoro’s unfortunate injury during pre-season has highlighted the need for experienced reinforcements like De Ligt and Mazraoui.
As United prepare for the new season, the arrivals of De Ligt and Mazraoui are expected to provide a solid foundation for the team to build upon. With these key additions, Erik ten Hag will be looking to guide Manchester United back to the top of English football and mount a serious challenge for both domestic and European honors.
