Man Utd confirm the signings of Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
The pair have been heavily linked with joining United throughout the transfer window but finally, they've arrived.
De Ligt singed a contract until June 2029 with an option for a further year while the Moroccan Mazraoui penned a deal until June 2028, also with the option for a further year.
The two have been together throughout their careers: now at United, previously at Bayern and at Ajax where they were managed by Erik ten Hag.
These two signings are also now the fourth and fifth ex-Ajax players to join United since ten Hag came to the club in 22/23 after Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Andre Onana.
The pair and the Sporting Director have had their say on the moves.
Matthijs De Ligt:
“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.”
Dan Ashworth:
“Matthijs is an outstanding defender and proven winner who will add quality, experience and leadership to our existing group of senior players.
“He has already enjoyed considerable success in his career, and we are convinced that his best years are still ahead; we want to help him achieve them at Manchester United.”
Noussair Mazraoui:
“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.”
“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.”
Dan Ashworth:
“Noussair is a dynamic, attacking full-back who can play on both the right and left side of defence. His experience and versatility will make him an excellent addition to our squad.
“Having already won a number of trophies in his career, we know that Noussair’s winning mentality will be a real asset to the group as we work together to deliver the success required of Manchester United.”
Other News
The club have also confirmed that left-back Luke Shaw will be OUT until the international break, which is mid-September.
The defender hasn't played for his club since the 2-1 win at Luton Town in February. He didn't even finish that game as he was taken off at halftime.
Shaw then went to the Euros to play for his country although he was only involved in the semi-final and final.
This would be major news if we hadn't just confirmed the two signing of De Ligt and Mazraoui.
Quite a busy evening at Old Trafford
Final Thoughts
I'm really happy at this double signing. I can't stop smiling. I don't think you can either.
What a great double deal though by United. Two experienced, quality players who've won several trophies throughout their careers and being able to play at the highest level for all of it shows the quality they have.
In De Ligt, he is such a leader as well. He was Ajax's captain under ten Hag during a very successful period for the club. We can see just what a stalwart he is.
I did say previously that I felt that De Ligt is the youngest has been player I've known but now that he's here, I am truly ecstatic. I seriously can't wait to see him play for us.
I also believe that people sleep on Mazraoui. I've always thought of him as a good, solid full-back who, while he may not be brilliant at one thing, is pretty good at several. He is good on the ball, versatile and quite attacking, which are all attributes required of the modern full-back.
His arrival is perfect given the fact that he can play left-back as Luke Shaw is out for a month.
Both are of similar age as well (De Ligt 25, Mazraoui 26) which means that they're entering their prime and are definitely the right age.
I also just want to say that I don't understand why people complain that ten Hag is always linked to or gets Dutch/Ajax players that he's worked with.
Who cares whether he's worked with them before or not or if they're Dutch or not? If they're top quality, can play how the manager wants and can improve the squad, what's the matter? I thought that's exactly what we need.
People couldn't shut up about THAT Ajax side so why is it a problem when the manager is trying to bring it to Manchester?
And for those talking down De Ligt, I wonder if they've watched him play and seen what he's done in his career. I find these people foolish.
I think it's because they're jealous. The fact that United are doing good deals with good players, they can't handle it. We are supposed to be the clowns in the transfer market, but because we appear to be doing good business for once, it doesn't sit well with them.
Whatever the case is for all this 'hate' let's call it, you know you are doing something right when you are being hated on.
It feels good 😊.
Welcome De Ligt and Mazraoui to the greatest club in the world.
On Shaw, I'm a fan of his, I think a lot of us are. When he's available, the left-back is arguably one of the best in his position in the world.
But that is just it: when he's fit. He has missed over 250 games and 1200 days for club and country since joining United in 2014. Yes, that leg break in 2015 played a big part in him missing so much action but he is just so unreliable.
What I can't understand is how he went to play for England and cannot be fit for the start of the season for United.
He wasn't ready when he went to the Euros which is why he was only able to play the semis and final. The fact that he isn't available for United for the start of another season is unacceptable.
Simply not good enough.
We need to somehow move him on.