Manchester United Secures Defensive Duo: De Ligt and Mazraoui Join the Red Devils

After finishing the 2023–24 season with a negative goal difference for the first time in 34 years, United's senior brass knew they needed defensive reinforcements. Given Eric Ten Hag's preference for players who had already worked for him, the door was finally opened for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui of Bayern Munich. Both players worked for Ajax under Ten Hag and were signed for an undisclosed fee of about £60 million.

The 25-year-old Dutch centre-back, De Ligt, has been offered a five-year deal with the option to extend. In a recent interview with the club's official website, 

De Light stated, “As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt excited about the opportunity for a new challenge at such a historic club. In the following conversations, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out and the role they saw for me in it." 

Matthijs de Ligt Bolsters Manchester United's Defense

Matthijs's affiliation with Eric Ten Hag at Ajax began the year he made his club debut at the age of 17. He won the 'Golden Boy' award shortly after, beating Kylian Mbappe. In the process, he became the first defender to receive the accolade. His greatest feat, however, was captaining Ajax to a spectacular Champions League semi-final appearance at the age of 19.

In 2019, he moved to Juventus and played for them until 2022. Afterwards, he joined Bayern Munich, where he played from 2022 until 2024. He has also had an impact on international football, having played for the Dutch teams in the EURO 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022 tournaments. 

De Ligt may compete with Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire for a spot on the backline this season. However, with Yoro sidelined and Maguire's fitness issues, de Ligt is likely to make his debut sooner rather than later. 

Given Luke Shaw's injury worries and the lack of a strong left-back option in the squad last season, Noussair's acquisition is a huge relief for the Red Devils. Not only is he a reliable full-back, but his versatility as a centre-back allows Ten Hag to work with a more flexible group.

Noussair Mazraoui: A Versatile Addition for the Red Devils

Mazraoui, a 26-year-old Moroccan, has been offered a contract until June 2028, with the option to extend for an additional year. After the deal was done, he spoke with club officials, praising Ten Hag for playing an important role in his career development. 

"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 added.

He made his debut for Ajax in 2018 under Ten Hag and played for them till 2022 before heading out for the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich. During his stay with the club in 2019, he was named Ajax Talent of the Year, in which he won the domestic double with the club, played in the Champions League semi-finals, and scored four goals in a total of 48 matches. 

At the international level, the brilliant defender has made 93 appearances for Morocco and was a member of the FIFA World Cup side that reached the semifinals. Unlike de Ligt, Mazraoui is anticipated to make his club debut in the first week, as the Red Devils are in desperate need of a left-back.