Man Utd confirm Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui transfers in quickfire double swoop

Manchester United have confirmed the double signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in a reported £60million swoop of Bayern Munich. The defensive duo are the third and fourth arrivals of United’s summer transfer window and have been reunited with Erik ten Hag.

A defensive overhaul has been high on the agenda at Old Trafford this year. De Ligt is the second centre-back to be signed by United, following Leny Yoro’s switch from Lille in a £58m move.

Ten Hag was very rarely able to call up his preferred back four last season and frequently bemoaned the lack of availability of his defensive options. Raphael Varane, Willy Kambwala and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have all departed to make way for new additions.

Mazraoui is likely to be the first-choice right-back at Old Trafford this season. Ten Hag has wanted more quality in the final third from his full-backs, with Wan-Bissaka’s attacking output coming under scrutiny during his five years at the club.

The 26-year-old has joined West Ham in a £15m deal, having previously been a £50m signing from Crystal Palace. Mazraoui played a more attacking role under Ten Hag at Ajax and will compete with Diogo Dalot for game time this term.

Like the Moroccan, De Ligt also played under Ten Hag at Ajax. Both players were part of the Eredivisie side’s team that reached the Champions League semi-final under the United boss in 2019.

De Ligt said of his relationship with the 54-year-old: “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.”

Mazraoui added: “Erik ten Hag played an important part in my development as a player, so it is exciting to be reuniting with him as I enter the prime years of my career. I know what he expects from his players, and I will give everything to help the group be successful.”

De Ligt is reported to have cost around £40m, while United have paid £15m for Mazraoui. The combined fees take United’s spending well above the £100m threshold.

A deal for Yoro, who is expected to miss the first month of the season with a foot injury, was a £58m arrival. United activated the £34m release clause in Joshua Zirkzee’s contract at Bologna to sign the Dutch forward.

The Red Devils are unlikely to complete any more major business. A new left-back could be added to Ten Hag’s squad after it was revealed that Luke Shaw has suffered a calf injury.