Manchester United have strengthened their defensive ranks with the double signing of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, the club announced on Tuesday.
A source has told ESPN that the deal for the Dutch and Moroccan internationals is worth a combined £60 million, including add-ons. De Ligt, a centre-back, has penned a five-year contract at Old Trafford, while Mazraoui, a full-back, has signed a four-year deal. Both contracts include an option for a further year.
The arrivals of the former Ajax duo take United's summer spending close to £140 million, following the earlier signings of striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and defender Leny Yoro from Lille.
Both players were nurtured through the youth ranks at Ajax, where they played under current United manager Erik ten Hag. The 25-year-old De Ligt boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, having won the Eredivisie with Ajax, Serie A with Juventus, and the Bundesliga with Bayern.
"As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such an historic club," De Ligt said in a Man Utd statement. "In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out, and the role they saw for me in it."
"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, at 26 years old, joined Bayern from Ajax in 2022, making 55 appearances across all competitions in his first season, winning the Bundesliga and the DFL-Supercup. He was sidelined with injury during the previous campaign.
"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," Mazraoui stated.
The arrival of De Ligt and Mazraoui comes after the departure of right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham for a reported £15 million.
Both new signings could be thrown into the deep end immediately, with Luke Shaw adding to United's injury concerns on Tuesday. United confirmed that the left-back will be sidelined for the start of the Premier League season due to a calf injury sustained in pre-season training.
"He is working hard on his rehabilitation with a view to being available after the first international break," the club said in a statement.
French centre-back Yoro will also miss a significant portion of the season, returning in approximately three months following successful surgery on his foot injury.
The arrivals of De Ligt and Mazraoui add significant experience and quality to United's defence, providing much-needed reinforcement ahead of a challenging Premier League campaign.
