United sign Bayern duo De Ligt and Mazraoui
MANCHESTER: Manchester United have added Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt and Moroccan full back Noussair Mazraoui to their team. Both players come from Bayern Munich in Germany and have signed contracts with the Premier League club until June 2029 and June 2028. The announcement was made on Tuesday.
The clubs did not reveal how much money was exchanged, but according to reports from British media, both players were signed for a total of 60 million dollars ($77 million, 70 million euros).
United stated that the contract allows for the possibility of extending for an additional year for both players.
The duo began their early soccer careers at the Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam and later played for current Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag at the top level.
The Eredivisie was won by the 25-year-old De Ligt in the 2018-19 season while playing for Ajax. He then went on to win the Serie A title in 2019-20 with Juventus and the Bundesliga in 2022-23 with Bayern.
"When I found out that Manchester United was interested in signing me, I was thrilled at the chance to take on a new challenge at a prestigious club," De Ligt expressed.
During our discussions, I found the football leadership's vision to be inspiring, and I was intrigued by the role they envisioned for me within it.
Erik ten Hag influenced the beginning of my career, so he understands how to bring out my best performance. I am eager to collaborate with him once more.
Mazraoui, who is 26 years old, moved to Bayern from Ajax in 2022. He played in 55 games in different competitions and won the Bundesliga and the DFL-Supercup in his first season. He had to take a break due to injury last season.
“Erik ten Hag had a big impact on how I improved as a player, so I'm thrilled to be working with him again as I move into the best years of my career,” Mazraoui shared.
"I understand his expectations for the team, and I am committed to doing my best to contribute to our success."
The duo's arrival will strengthen choices for manager Ten Hag on defense since Luke Shaw has encountered a new injury and will be absent for the first three games of the season.
The full-back from England got a calf injury and Manchester United has announced that he will be out until the next international break in a month.
United will kick off their Premier League season against Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday. The Red Devils are eager to do better than their disappointing eighth-place finish from last season.
Featured in the Dawn newspaper on August 15, 2024
