Erik ten Hag gets his wish! Man Utd confirm double signing of ex-Ajax pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui

Man Utd have confirmed the arrivals of defensive duo De Ligt and Mazraoui from Bayern Munich in a double signing that could cost close to £60m ($77m). De Ligt has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford while Mazraoui has joined for four years, with both deals including the option for a further 12 months.

The arrivals of De Ligt and Mazraoui will see Erik ten Hag reunite with two players he worked with in Amsterdam. De Ligt was the captain of the Ajax side that Ten Hag took to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019. United have paid £38.5m ($49.5m) plus £4.3m ($5.5m) in add-ons for the centre-back, while Mazraoui will cost £12.8m ($16m) plus a further £4.3m ($5.5m).

De Ligt spoke of his delight after joining United. "As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such an historic club," he said. "In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out, and the role they saw for me in it.

Meanwhile, Mazraoui is excited to link up with Ten Hag again. "Erik ten Hag played an important part in my development as a player, so it is exciting to be reuniting with him as I enter the prime years of my career," the Morocco international said. "I know what he expects from his players, and I will give everything to help the group be successful."

Luke Shaw's latest injury could thrust Mazraoui into the starting line-up for United's Premier League opener against Fulham on Friday evening. The status of both players isn't clear, but Ten Hag is dealing with an injury crisis and will be desperate to see the pair in match shape as swiftly as possible.