Manchester United is about to pull off a big move by signing both Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. Looks like the Red Devils are getting some solid reinforcements!

  

Manchester United are on the verge of completing a significant double signing from Bayern Munich,   with Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair  Mazraoui set to join the Red Devils.

 The two defenders were seen early  Monday morning at Munich airport,   boarding a flight to Manchester to finalize their moves ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

 

United have reached an agreement with Bayern  Munich for De Ligt, involving an initial fee of 45 million euros, supplemented by an additional 5 million in achievable add-ons. Concurrently, a 20 million euros deal has been secured for Mazraoui. Both players are expected to strengthen Erik ten Hag's squad, reuniting with their former Ajax manager at Old Trafford.

 

De Ligt, 24, brings a wealth of experience but has faced scrutiny due to his injury history and inconsistent playing time at Bayern.  His arrival has sparked mixed reactions among fans and pundits alike, with club legend Rio Ferdinand voicing his concerns. "He’s had a lot of injuries, hasn’t started many games over the last two or three years," Ferdinand said on his show, Rio Ferdinand Presents. "Man  United are spending 45-50 million on him.

 

Is he going to come in and make a difference?  It’s a big ask, and all eyes will be on him." Despite these reservations, De  Ligt’s past performances under   Ten Hag at Ajax provide a glimmer of hope for United supporters. The Dutch defender captained Ajax to a Champions League semi-final in 2019,   showcasing his leadership and defensive prowess.

United fans will be eager to see if he can replicate that form in the Premier League. Mazraoui, a 26-year-old Moroccan international,  is set to fill the right-back position,   creating competition for Diogo Dalot.  This move comes at a crucial time,   with Aaron Wan-Bissaka expected to join West Ham. Personal terms have been agreed upon, and the deal is now a formality.

Mazraoui’s versatility and attacking capabilities will be a valuable addition to United’s defensive lineup. United’s urgency in securing these signings is underscored by their current defensive challenges. In the recent Community Shield match against Manchester City, Erik ten Hag had to field   Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans as center-backs,  highlighting the need for reinforcements.

Raphael   Varane’s departure and new signing Leny Yoro’s injury have further compounded these issues. Once De Ligt and Mazraoui are registered,  potentially by midday Thursday,   they will be eligible to make their debuts in United’s Premier League opener against Fulham on Friday.

This timely boost will be vital for Ten Hag,   who admitted that United has "problems"  in defense that need immediate addressing. These signings came after United opted out of a deal with PSG midfielder Manuel   Ugarte due to his 60 million euros asking price. Nevertheless, securing De Ligt and   Mazraoui reflects United's strategic approach to strengthening their squad without overspending.

In addition to these arrivals, United are preparing for potential departures.   Victor Lindelof, Casemiro, and Scott  McTominay have been given the green light to seek new clubs. De Ligt’s arrival will likely offset Lindelof’s exit, while the midfield departures will necessitate further reinforcements in that area.

With these moves, Manchester United is aiming to build a balanced and competitive squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. Erik ten Hag will be keen to see how his new signings integrate and contribute to the team’s success. The pressure is on, but the potential rewards are significant.