Manchester United have made a significant statement ahead of the new season by securing the £60 million double signing of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
Manager Erik ten Hag, eager to strengthen his squad after an injury-plagued previous season, has successfully reunited with two of his former Ajax players. The duo’s arrival provides a major boost to United’s defensive options.
The combined outlay for De Ligt and Mazraoui, just shy of £60 million, coincides with the confirmation of Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s £15 million transfer to West Ham.
Matthijs de Ligt, the 25-year-old Dutch defender, has agreed to a five-year contract with an option for an additional year. Having won league titles with Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, De Ligt expressed his excitement about joining Manchester United.
“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. “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. I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”
De Ligt’s arrival is timely, especially after the departure of Raphaël Varane and the injury setback to fellow summer signing Leny Yoro. De Ligt’s transfer fee reportedly stands at an initial £38.5 million, with potential add-ons of £4.3 million.
Noussair Mazraoui, the Moroccan full-back, also reunites with Ten Hag after their successful spell together at Ajax. Mazraoui, who has won titles with both Ajax and Bayern, brings valuable experience, having made 28 appearances for Morocco, including their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be a United player, and I cannot wait to walk out at Old Trafford wearing the red shirt,” Mazraoui said. “Everyone I’ve spoken to has the same ambition for us to win trophies together, and I can feel the determination to achieve that.”
Mazraoui has signed a four-year deal with an option for an additional year, with his transfer fee reported to be £12.8 million, plus £4.3 million in potential add-ons.
Manchester United expects the new signings to be available for their season opener against Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday night. However, A calf injury will sideline Luke Shaw, ruling him out of United’s upcoming Premier League fixtures and potentially England’s Nations League matches next month.
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