Manchester United Bolsters Defense with Double Signing from Bayern Munich

MANCHESTER, England—In a significant move to strengthen their defense, Manchester United has signed Netherlands center-back Matthijs de Ligt and Morocco full-back Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich for a combined fee of approximately £60 million ($77 million). De Ligt, 25, has agreed to a five-year contract with an option for an additional year, while Mazraoui, 26, has signed until June 2028, also with an extension option. The club's defensive overhaul follows the sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham for £15 million, marking a pivotal shift in United's backline. The Red Devils are looking to rebound from a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season, where they conceded 58 goals. Manager Erik ten Hag has faced challenges with injuries to key players, including Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez, prompting the urgent need for reinforcements. The recent acquisition of 18-year-old Leny Yoro from Lille for £62 million further emphasizes United's commitment to revamping their defense. De Ligt expressed excitement about reuniting with Ten Hag, who previously coached him at Ajax, stating that he is eager to contribute to the club's ambitions. Meanwhile, Mazraoui highlighted his versatility as a valuable asset, capable of playing on both flanks. Both players are expected to feature prominently in the upcoming match against Fulham, as United aims to improve their defensive stability and overall performance this season. The signings reflect Manchester United's strategic focus on enhancing their squad depth and addressing weaknesses, with hopes that the new arrivals will help restore the club's competitive edge in domestic and European competitions.