Transfer News: Man United strengthen their defence
How big of an impact could these new players have on United's season?
The Red Devils have brought in Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in a deal that could total nearly £60 million.
Brothers in arms 🇳🇱🇲🇦
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 15, 2024
Our signing interview with @MdeLigt_04 has just dropped — exclusively to #MUTV subscribers for the first hour 🙌#MUFC
De Ligt has signed a five-year contract, with the option to extend for an additional year, while Mazraoui has agreed to a four-year deal, also with the possibility of a one-year extension.
United have agreed to pay £38.5 million, plus £4.3 million in add-ons, for 25-year-old centre-back De Ligt, who previously captained Erik ten Hag’s Ajax team that reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
Mazraoui, who also worked under Ten Hag at Ajax, has praised the manager’s influence on his career. The 26-year-old Moroccan defender joins for an initial fee of £12.8 million, with an extra £4.3 million potentially due in add-ons.
Premier League: 2024/2025 season (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
Mazraoui’s signing was made possible after the departure of defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who moved to West Ham on Tuesday for £15 million.
After United’s two bids for Everton’s England international Jarrad Branthwaite were rejected earlier this summer, De Ligt emerged as a more experienced and cost-effective alternative. Meanwhile, Everton stood firm on their £70 million valuation.
Check out the new signings in training for United
The footage is from the Manchester United YouTube account
More reaction
Liam, a Manchester United season ticket holder, said, "I think both new signings represent excellent value for money. They have improved our squad, and I feel more confident about the new season."
This view was echoed by Olivia Taylor, a United fan from Chorlton. She added, "I believe both new signings offer great value for money and they have certainly enhanced our squad."
Pete, a United fan who sits in East Stand, gave his thoughts: "We are still lacking a couple of new players but we are clearly in a better position now."
