Manchester United has pulled off a double swoop. Late in the evening, the club finalized the signings of Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, both arriving from Bayern Munich. 

After weeks of negotiations, the two clubs agreed on a combined transfer fee of $76 million.

The Dutch central defender, who signed a five-year contract, was the bigger investment with a fee close to $49 million, plus $5 million in bonuses. 

Meanwhile, the Moroccan full-back committed to a four-year deal for $16 million, plus $5 million in bonuses. Mazraoui's arrival is timely for the Red Devils, who saw Aaron Wan-Bissaka depart for West Ham and Luke Shaw sidelined with a calf injury that will keep him out for several weeks.

A Taste of Ajax

This double signing is particularly notable as it rekindles memories of the Ajax days. Five years after the Dutch club's run to the Champions League semi-finals, De Ligt and Mazraoui are reuniting with their former coach Erik ten Hag. 

"It's very exciting to reunite with [Ten Hag] as I enter the prime years of my career. I know what he expects from his players, and I'll give everything I have to help the team succeed," said the 26-year-old Moroccan international.  

His Dutch teammate echoed this enthusiasm: "Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me, and I’m looking forward to working with him again," De Ligt added. At 25, the central defender aims to finally reach his full potential after uneven stints at Juventus and Bayern Munich.

Ironically, as part of the core of Ajax 2019 reunites, Donny van de Beek, another key figure from that Dutch adventure, has chosen to leave Old Trafford for Girona, having failed to establish himself in Manchester. The two new signings are expected to be tested quickly, with a possible debut as early as Friday when United host Fulham in the Premier League opener.