There was never any question about the talent of Manchester United’s new man.
But, as has been the case at Old Trafford this summer, another of Europe’s bonafide A-list institutions had to make some tough decisions. Not to mention some high-profile sales.
While Manchester United let Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala go – Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay could yet follow – Bayern Munich also found themselves in a situation in which new signings were dependant upon departures.
“(Directors) Max Eberl and Christoph Freund know full well that no one will come if one or two prominent players do not leave,” Bayern legend and board member Uli Hoeness told Sky Germany a fortnight ago.
“We must first sell.”
This led to Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui joined Manchester United for a combined fee in the region of £50 million.
The former joins for an initial £38 million – reuniting with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag – while the latter makes the switch for a bargain £13 million.
Manchester United sign Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt
The aforementioned Freund, meanwhile, has now broken his silence on the deal which took the defensive duo from the Allianz Arena to Old Trafford.
In the case of De Ligt, the Dutchman’s sale had nothing to do with his ability – one German football expert believes he was the best player in the Bundesliga at times in 2023 – and everything to do with Bayern’s financial situation.
“We wanted to make changes to the squad. That includes sales,” sporting director Freund now tells Sky Deutschland.
“Matthijs is a really good player and played a lot last season.
“But we’re very confident that we are well equipped in defence as it is.”
Bayern were always looking to sell one centre-half this summer.
De Ligt was arguably the club’s best in that position – as emphasised by the petition signed by over 70,000 fans demanding he stay put – but the lack of offers for Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-Jae and co made the former Juventus man the only one they could realistically move on.
Noussair Mazraoui shines in Fulham win
De Ligt made his United debut off the bench in Friday’s nervy 1-0 win over Fulham. Mazraoui started, meanwhile, and immediately showcased by Ten Hag was keen to bring him in as a replacement for West Ham newbie Wan-Bissaka.
“I know Noussair Mazraoui like this. He is a great defender, but he is very composed on the ball,” Ten Hag explained to Sky Sports at full-time (16 August, 10.30pm). “He is not in full condition. When he gets 100 per cent fitness, he can do much more.
“He has to build his fitness.”
Mazraoui was excellent on the right. Labelled ‘incredibly good on the ball’ by United legend Jaap Stam, the Morroco international slotted in perfectly with his press-resistant qualities, his impressive positional sense, and his excellent use of the ball with both feet.
“He did the basics well,” Red Devils legend Roy Keane said. “He looks like a decent athlete. He will be pleased. You go to a club and to get a victory and a clean sheet.
“He will be delighted.”
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