Joe McConnell
Manchester United had two main objectives in strengthening their defence this summer: to increase its effectiveness, especially in duels, and to change its dynamics.
The coup to oust Real Madrid and land Leny Yoro He added further athleticism, aerial threat and technical ball recovery, destined to develop into one of the best central defenders in the game.
The youngster’s broken metatarsal in the opening game of the US pre-season tour was unfortunate, but United have signed him on a long-term deal, not just for the first few months of the season.
Manchester United have signed Noussair Mazraoui (left) and De Ligt from Bayern Munich
Even before this setback, the club had been keen to add at least one more option in central defence, which had been ravaged by injuries last time out but also lacked balance and progressive ability.
Matthijs de Ligt it had been proposed to Erik Ten Hag – who wanted him in his first summer at Old Trafford – by United’s recalibrated recruitment team as a target to increase their physical and technical potential; the right man to dominate defensive duels.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
What will De Ligt and Mazraoui bring to Manchester United?
The compound cap is seen as a good contrast to the aggressive, instinctive Lysander Martinez; balance left and right, but also in the approach.
At 25, De Ligt’s vast experience in a variety of high-profile environments, his natural leadership and his ability to execute Ten Hag’s style of play made him an attractive prospect.
There is a sense that his strengths have not been fully exploited at Bayern Munich, which is in a phase of change, and that his profile and attitude will be a boost for United.
Perhaps the most instructive move to show the change in dynamics is the switch Aaron Wan Bissaka – a one-on-one defensive specialist – for highly technical and ambidextrous players Noussair Mazraoui.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has joined West Ham from Man Utd
Also coming from Bayern, he can cover both full-back positions, is resistant to pressing and is more suited to building the game.
Mazraoui, effectively paid for by Wan-Bissaka’s exit from West Ham, was a key cog in Ten Hag’s successful Ajax side, where he helped bring out the best in them. by Antonio game.
There will be natural cynicism in thinking that this is a continuation of United’s policy of buying players the manager is familiar with rather than building a club identity.
The counter-move will be that by adding progressive players who offer a varied dynamic, United are effectively recruiting players for the playing model they have committed to.
The difference is that Ten Hag is not leading the recruitment effort, as was the case before the new football management team took over.
The targets were proposed to him based on their suitability for the style of play, their availability on the market and the possibility of closing the deal, both financially and logistically.
Victor Lindelof He could still leave before the transfer window closes and the addition of a left defender remains open.
United have been more proactive and methodical in their recruitment this summer, but there is still a lot of work to be done beyond the back line, particularly in midfield.
