Manchester United has officially announced the signing of Dutch center-back Matthijs De Ligt and Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
This move aims to strengthen their defense following the injury of new signing Leny Yoro, who is out for three months, and the departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham United.
De Ligt, 25, has signed a contract running until June 2029, with an option for an additional year, while Mazraoui’s contract will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2028, also with an option for another year.
De Ligt, a former Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy winner, has accumulated 324 club appearances and 45 international caps. Mazraoui, known primarily as a right-back but also capable in a utility role, has made 137 appearances for Ajax and 55 for Bayern, winning league titles with both clubs. He has also earned 28 caps for Morocco and was instrumental in their semi-final run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Matthijs De Ligt during his unveiling said:
“As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such an historic club. In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out, and the role they saw for me in it.
“Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again. I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”
Noussair Mazraoui said: “It’s an incredible feeling to be a Manchester United player, and I cannot wait to walk out at Old Trafford wearing the red shirt. I know that I’m joining the club at an exciting time; everyone I’ve spoken to has the same ambition for us to win trophies together and I can feel the determination to achieve that.”
Both players were previously managed by Erik ten Hag at Ajax, and the reunion is seen as a strategic move, similar to the acquisitions of Anthony and goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Prior to these updates, the club announced that English left-back Luke Shaw will miss the start of the Premier League season due to a calf injury sustained during pre-season training and he’s expected to return after the first international break.
