How Man Utd will line up with De Ligt and Mazraoui

Cameron Smith

13 Aug 2024 22:20 BST
3 min read

Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Manchester United have officially completed the double signing of Bayern Munich defensive duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

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The former has arrived for an initial fee of €45 million, while the latter has cost Erik ten Hag’s side €15m. However, both players have an additional €5m in potential add-on clauses.

Mazraoui’s move was facilitated by Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s departure to West Ham United, while De Ligt was seen as a priority following Raphael Varane’s departure, Victor Lindelof’s uncertain future and Leny Yoro’s pre-season injury.

Both players were managed by Ten Hag at Ajax, with the Dutchman rebuilding his successful Eredivisie side at Old Trafford.

In fact, the Red Devils now possess five players who were with Ten Hag at Ajax: De Ligt, Mazraoui, Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Andre Onana.

But, how will the Dutchman set up his team at Old Trafford this campaign?

How Man Utd will line up with Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui

The aforementioned Onana will remain in between the sticks after a mixed first season in English football.

Luke Shaw would be Man Utd’s first-choice left-back when fully fit, but his constant injury issues mean Mazraoui is likely to start the campaign in that position.

He has played in that role for both Morocco and Bayern Munich, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Diogo Dalot will play on the opposite flank.

© IMAGO - Matthijs de Ligt will be a starter at Man Utd

With Yoro currently injured, and needing time to adapt to Premier League football aged 18, De Ligt is likely to partner Lisandro Martinez at centre-back. The pair never overlapped at Ajax, but they appear well suited to play together on paper.

In midfield, Manuel Ugarte remains Man Utd’s priority target, but a deal hasn’t been agreed with Paris Saint-Germain, meaning Casemiro will keep his place next to Kobbie Mainoo.

Bruno Fernandes will play in an attacking midfield role, with Mason Mount playing the role of able back-up.

Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford remain Man Utd’s preferred wing pairing, despite competition from Amad Diallo, Antony and Jadon Sancho, while Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line.

New signing Joshua Zirkzee will also play a key role, especially considering Hojlund will miss the start of the season through injury.