Man Utd REJECT defender as Ten Hag closes in on double transfer

Suraj Radia

Updated: 12 Aug 2024 11:50 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Man Utd, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Manchester United have turned down the chance to sign a new defender, with the focus now on sealing deals for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

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United are continuing to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season after their penalty shootout loss to rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield on Saturday.

Erik ten Hag was forced to start Jonny Evans alongside Harry Maguire due to the depleted depth at centre-back, with summer signing Leny Yoro injured for at least three months.

With injuries to Luke Shaw and long-term absentee Tyrell Malacia at left-back, United are hoping to sign another left-sided defender, leading to interest in Mario Hermoso.

The 29-year-old is a free agent after leaving Atletico Madrid this summer but reports in Spain have confirmed that United have opted against signing Hermoso due to his wage demands.

The Spaniard has now held talks with Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab, who are willing to meet his reported salary demands of around €6 million, but it is believed he will hold out for a move in Europe instead.

© IMAGO - Mario Hermoso is currently a free agent.

United make defensive breakthrough

United are hoping to have De Ligt and Mazraoui available to them ahead of their opening Premier League fixture of the season against Fulham on Friday.

A deal has been struck with Bayern Munich to sign both defenders, with the pair having arrived in Manchester this week for a medical ahead of completing their respective transfers.

De Ligt will join United for €45m plus €5m in add-ons, while Mazraoui’s transfer is understood to be costing the club €15m up front with €5m in bonuses.

A breakthrough was reached to sign the duo after West Ham agreed a deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with the right-back expected to leave Old Trafford for a fee in excess of €15m.

United will still look to sign a midfielder before the transfer window closes but it may require more players to first be sold, with the futures of stars such as Casemiro still uncertain.