Matthijs de Ligt is confident that his partnership with Noussair Mazraoui will bolster Manchester United’s defense this season. The duo, who recently completed a joint £60 million move from Bayern Munich, previously played together at Ajax under the guidance of Erik ten Hag. Both players have been included in the squad for United’s Premier League opener against Fulham on Friday, and De Ligt is excited about the prospect of further developing their on-field connection.
Speaking to the club’s media channels, De Ligt praised Mazraoui, describing him as an “amazing guy” and an “amazing player.” The two have known each other for around a decade and have consistently found themselves playing alongside each other, first at Ajax, then at Bayern Munich, and now at Manchester United. De Ligt believes their relationship is special and is looking forward to the mutual support they can provide each other.
Last season, United faced numerous defensive challenges due to injuries, resulting in 14 different center-back pairings throughout the campaign. Luke Shaw is set to miss the start of the new season with a calf injury, which Ten Hag has described as “short-term.” Additionally, Leny Yoro, who recently joined the club, is expected to be sidelined for three months. The club has also seen departures in the form of Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
De Ligt was attracted to Manchester United due to the ongoing overhaul of the squad. He expressed his enthusiasm for being part of a new project and contributing to the club’s future success. The 25-year-old hopes that he and the other new signings can help bring Manchester United back to the top of English football.
In conclusion, De Ligt’s arrival at Manchester United alongside Mazraoui has raised hopes for a stronger defense this season. The Dutch duo’s previous experience together and their understanding on the pitch could prove vital in helping the club achieve their goals. With injuries and new signings shaping the team, the future looks promising for the Red Devils.