Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have already agreed on personal terms with the English giant, but they have not yet moved to Old Trafford for different reasons.
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After securing the young French center-back Leny Yoro from Lille for €62 million, Manchester United has made it clear that they are not done investing in their defense.
The club's management, led by Erik ten Hag, has identified two key targets from Bayern Munich: Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. These players are seen as essential additions to bolster United's backline as they aim to compete on multiple fronts in the upcoming season.
Matthijs de Ligt, a 24-year-old Dutch center-back, is a player with a formidable reputation. Having made his mark at Ajax before moving to Juventus and later Bayern Munich, De Ligt is known for his leadership qualities, aerial ability, and composure on the ball. His experience at the highest levels of European football, including the Champions League, makes him an attractive prospect for Manchester United, who are looking to add depth and quality to their central defense. Personal terms between De Ligt and United have already been agreed upon, with a five-year contract in place, including an additional year as an option. However, the deal is currently stalled because Manchester United has not yet reached an agreement with Bayern Munich regarding the transfer fee. Bayern values De Ligt at around €50 million, a figure that United is still negotiating.
Noussair Mazraoui, on the other hand, is a 26-year-old Moroccan right-back who brings versatility and attacking flair to the defensive lineup. Mazraoui, who has been a key player for Bayern Munich since joining from Ajax, is highly regarded for his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. His signing would provide Manchester United with additional options on the right flank, especially in a position where they have been looking to upgrade. Like De Ligt, Mazraoui has already agreed on personal terms with Manchester United, with a similar five-year contract plus an optional extra year. The sticking point in this deal, however, is different.
Manchester United must first offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka, their current right-back, before they can finalize the deal for Mazraoui. Wan-Bissaka, who joined United from Crystal Palace in 2019, has struggled to consistently meet the high expectations at Old Trafford. As a result, the club is looking to move him on, with West Ham United emerging as a potential destination. The English press has reported that Wan-Bissaka was even offered to Bayern Munich, but the German club declined the opportunity. Until Wan-Bissaka's future is resolved, Manchester United will not be able to complete the signing of Mazraoui, who is valued at around €25 million.
These two deals are critical for Manchester United as they look to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title and making a deep run in the Champions League. With the summer transfer window set to close in a month, time is of the essence. The club's hierarchy is working diligently to resolve these pending matters, aware that any delays could complicate their plans for the upcoming season.
The pressure is mounting as Manchester United prepares to kick off their season with a high-stakes match in the English Super Cup against Manchester City on August 10. This match not only serves as a curtain-raiser for the new season but also as an early test of United’s readiness to compete with the best teams in the country. Erik ten Hag will be keen to have his squad finalized by then, ensuring that any new signings have time to integrate into the team and contribute immediately.
Furthermore, the Premier League opener against Fulham on August 16 is fast approaching, leaving little room for error in the transfer dealings. Manchester United’s supporters are eager to see the club make a strong start to the season, and the acquisition of players like De Ligt and Mazraoui would certainly boost the squad’s prospects.
In the background, Manchester United’s management is also navigating the complexities of financial fair play and the club’s overall financial health, which has been a topic of discussion in recent years. Balancing the books while strengthening the squad is a challenge, but one that the club is determined to meet.
As the transfer window enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on Manchester United to see if they can finalize these crucial signings and set themselves up for a successful campaign. The next few weeks will be decisive in shaping the future of the club’s defense and, potentially, their fortunes in the season ahead.
Updated: 03:54, 2 Aug 2024
