MANCHESTER UNITED have pulled off a remarkable £60 million transfer coup, securing Bayern Munich defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. The duo has signed long-term contracts after landing in the UK on Monday. De Ligt, at 25, becomes United’s third summer acquisition, following Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee. He’s confident that manager Erik ten Hag will bring out his best at Old Trafford. De Ligt expressed his excitement about the challenge of joining such a storied club and was impressed by the club’s ambitious vision and his envisioned role. He’s particularly eager to reunite with Ten Hag, who played a key role in his development.

Mazraoui, 26, was announced shortly after and will step in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has transferred to West Ham. The deal for De Ligt is reportedly around £45 million, while Mazraoui’s move cost £15 million. Mazraoui shared his exhilaration about becoming a United player and looks forward to donning the red jersey at Old Trafford. He’s excited about the club’s ambitions and the shared goal of winning trophies.

De Ligt’s contract will extend until June 2029, with an option for an additional year, while Mazraoui’s deal lasts until June 2028, also with an option. Both players are former Ajax teammates and played under Ten Hag in Amsterdam. They are expected to make an immediate impact as United prepare to face Fulham at Old Trafford.

With these new signings, Ten Hag’s squad now includes five former Ajax players, including Andre Onana, Antony, and Lisandro Martinez. The Dutch connection has been further strengthened with the addition of Euro star Zirkzee, and fan favorite Ruud van Nistelrooy has joined Rene Hake as one of Ten Hag’s new assistants. These moves come on the heels of United’s Community Shield defeat to Manchester City on penalties.