Manchester United have made a significant statement in the summer transfer window by securing the services of Netherlands centre-back Matthijs de Ligt and Morocco full-back Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. The Premier League club announced the completion of both signings on Tuesday, further bolstering their squad ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The deal, which is valued at a combined £60 million ($76.6m) including add-ons, represents a major coup for United as they continue to strengthen their defensive options.
De Ligt: A Defensive Powerhouse
Matthijs de Ligt, 24, has long been regarded as one of the brightest defensive talents in world football. Having risen to prominence at Ajax, where he captained the side to a Champions League semifinal in 2019, De Ligt made a big-money move to Juventus before joining Bayern Munich in 2022.
At Old Trafford, De Ligt has signed a five-year contract, with the option to extend for a further year. His arrival adds steel and composure to United’s backline, which has been in need of reinforcement following inconsistent performances in recent seasons. De Ligt’s leadership qualities and ability to read the game make him an ideal partner for Raphaël Varane in central defense, giving Erik ten Hag’s side a formidable presence at the back.
Mazraoui: Versatility and Skill on the Flanks
Noussair Mazraoui, 26, arrives at United after two successful seasons at Bayern Munich, where he established himself as one of the most reliable full-backs in Europe. The Moroccan international has signed a four-year deal, with an option to extend for an additional year.
Mazraoui is known for his versatility, capable of playing on either flank and offering both defensive solidity and attacking flair. His ability to contribute in the final third, combined with his defensive acumen, makes him a perfect fit for United’s style of play. With Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka already competing for the right-back spot, Mazraoui’s arrival adds depth and competition to the squad, ensuring that United have quality options across the backline.
A Statement of Intent
The double swoop for De Ligt and Mazraoui takes United’s summer spending to approximately £140 million ($180m), following the earlier acquisitions of striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and defender Leny Yoro from Lille. This aggressive transfer strategy underlines the club’s ambition to challenge for major honors in the upcoming season.
Erik ten Hag has been clear in his desire to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts, and these signings reflect that ambition. With the addition of De Ligt and Mazraoui, United have addressed key areas of concern and added proven quality to their ranks.
Building for Success
Manchester United’s summer business is a clear signal that the club is determined to return to the pinnacle of English and European football. The signings of De Ligt and Mazraoui not only strengthen the squad but also demonstrate United’s pulling power in the transfer market.