Manchester United asked to pay £60m to sign duo from rival European club - Reports
Manchester United will reportedly have to pay £60 million to snap up the Bayern Munich duo of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. Both defenders are seemingly surplus to requirements at the Bundesliga giants.
De Ligt, 24, arrived from Juventus in the summer of 2022 but has struggled to become a first-team regular amid his patchy injury record. The former Ajax centre-back has five goals and two assists in 73 games across competitions.
That includes two goals and an assist in 30 games last campaign, starting 23, as Bayern endured a first trophyless campaign in 12 years.
Meanwhile, Mazraoui, 26, hasn't fared much better than his defensive teammate. The full-back has managed a goal and eight assists in 55 games across competitions since arriving in 2022, including four assists in 29 outings last campaign.
Despite De Ligt being contracted till 2027 and Mazraoui till 2026, the two players could be on the move this summer. As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano (via Utd District), Bayern are seeking close to £60 million for the duo, but the Red Devils are optimistic to seal a deal for less, with discussions said to be ongoing.
The Red Devils are looking for defensive reinforcements after the departure of Raphael Varane and the uncertain future of Harry Maguire.
What's next for Manchester United?
Manchester United commenced their pre-season with a surprise 1-0 loss at Rosenborg before beating Rangers 2-0. They then lost 2-1 to Arsenal in their first game of their US tour.
The Red Devils returned to winning ways by beating La Liga side Real Betis 3-2 but were trounced 3-0 by Liverpool to end their pre-season with a loss. Ten Hag's side open the new campaign on August 10 against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield at the Wembley in London.
Six days later, they host Fulham in their Premier League opener. Having fnished a lowly eighth last season - their worst finish in the Premier League era - Ten Hag's side would look for a better finish.