Matthijs de Ligt makes exciting five-word statement as he boards plane to Man Utd

Matthijs De Ligt revealed that Noussair Mazraoui was waiting for him at Munich Airport ahead of their flight to Manchester.

The Red Devils shortlisted the Bayern Munich stars as their top defensive targets after acquiring the services of Leny Yoro from Lille and have been pursuing the pair for the past few weeks – even seeing a joint bid for the duo rejected previously.

Two separate agreements were reached late last week and both players are now travelling to England to put pen to paper with Erik ten Hag’s side.

De Ligt was spotted heading into Munich Airport ahead of his flight to Manchester, and he revealed that his current, and soon-to-be, teammate Mazraoui was already in the facilities ahead of their travels.

The Netherlands international told Sky Sports Germany: “Noussair is waiting for me!” It has also been reported that De Ligt was late to the airport.

Mazraoui has also been filmed with his suitcase ahead of the trip, where a contract until 2029 with the option of a further year awaits him at Old Trafford.

There has been an aura of uncertainty around United’s pursuit of Mazraoui as the deal hinged on whether Aaron Wan-Bissaka would be willing to leave the club. The ex-Crystal Palace ace was initially insistent that he would be open to departing if Inter Milan came calling, but a deal never materialised with the Serie A side.

West Ham then struck a deal for the right-back, having failed in their pursuit of Mazraoui, but needed time to convince Wan-Bissaka to agree on personal terms. The 26-year-old finally accepted the move, allowing United to press on with their own plans.

The arrivals of De Ligt and Mazraoui are not expected to conclude United’s transfer business this summer though, with at least one reinforcement being eyed in midfield.

The Red Devils previously shortlisted Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte as their top target in those central areas, but the fee involved in acquiring the services of the Uruguay international has been deemed too pricey and other options are therefore being explored.

Sheffield United’s Sander Berge is among those on the shortlist. A second deal for Sofyan Amrabat is also being considered after the Fiorentina star made a good impression during his season-long stint at the club.