Bayern Munich defensive duo – Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt and Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui are underway to their medical examination in Carrington, ahead of penning down their agreed five-year contract with Manchester United. The Premier League club will be paying a total €70 million euros plus add-ons for both the players to the Bavarians.
Following the recent defeat against their arch-rivals Manchester City in the FA Community Shield 2024, 7-6 on penalties, United will be expecting the pair to be available for their season 2024-25 opener against Fulham on Friday.
Interestingly, both De Ligt and Mazraoui have played under the current Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag during their time at Ajax. Hence, it wouldn’t take them much time to pick up Ten Hag’s style of play and tactics.
De Ligt and Mazraoui to end Manchester United’s defensive dilemma
De Ligt 25, and Mazraoui 26 are anticipated to fortify their backline in the long term. Both the defenders were part of Ajax’s sensational campaign in the UEFA Champions League in the 2018/19 season, under Ten Hag. The centre-back, who was a standout performer, moved to Juventus and later joined Bayern Munich, while the right-back moved to Allianz Arena in 2019.
Last season, Erik Ten Hag’s side was hit by a sequence of injuries, which disrupted the backline of the club throughout the season. Lisandro Martinez missed the majority of the last season, while Luke Shaw and Tyler Malacia joined the Argentine on the sideline.
The former Juventus defender’s arrival would provide an essential boost to Manchester United’s defence, following Leny Yoro’s severe foot injury during pre-season. Meanwhile, the Moroccan international will compensate for the departure of Arron Wan Bissaka, who has joined West Ham United permanently.