Sport

Manchester United confirm double signing of former Ajax defensive duo as Wan-Bissaka departs

The Dutch connection continues.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 13th August 2024

Manchester United have completed some more important business in this year’s summer transfer window after confirming the double signing of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui as well as the departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The defensive duo both played under Erik ten Hag during his time in charge of the impressive young team from 2019 and were heavily linked with an estimated £60 million joint-move from German giants Bayern Munich to Man United last week.

With injuries to fellow new signing Leny Yoro, who is now set to be out for up to three months, the club had little choice but to re-bolster their backline with another centre-back and full-back, especially given the extensive list of players that ended up on the physio table last season.

As a result, it looks as though new sporting director Dan Ashworth and co have moved quickly ahead of the 2024/25 campaign getting underway this Friday, 13 August and pulled the trigger on both defenders, with de Ligt and Mazraoui unveiled as new United players virtually in tandem on Tuesday night.

Then their youngest-ever captain, de Ligt was one of the most admired players in the aforementioned Ajax squad that ten Hag led to the Champions League semi-finals. He was one of several rising stars snapped up as the promising side was raided by big teams around Europe over the months following.

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After lifting the latest in a long line of Dutch titles that year, he then joined Juventus for around £65m, where he also won the league and a Coppa Italia, before joining Bayern in 2022 and winning a domestic double there too.

However, despite winning everywhere he’s been so far, the 25-year-old struggled to find his best form in Serie A and dropped out of the line starting XI as Munich conceded the Bundesliga trophy to Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 campaign.

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While club legend Paul Scholes has expressed concerns over de Ligt’s recent lack of playing time and the fact that former Spurs star Eric Dier’s introduction into the back four has rendered him a “second-rate” defender, the hope is clearly that he will once again shine under his previous coach.

As for Mazraoui, the 26-year-old Morrocan right-back is effectively set to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has been in and out of the United squad with injuries and simply falling second fiddle to the more attacking wing-back talents of Diogo Dalot.

Having now officially unveiled both new signings, they pair mark a total of 11 transfers that ten Hag has made involving a player either from the Netherlands or who has represented a team in the Eredivisie since arriving at Old Trafford.

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Wan-Bissaka officially joined West Ham on Tuesday, 13 August in a deal reportedly worth around £15m, a full £30m less than what they paid for him back in 2019.

He made nearly 200 appearances for the Red Devils.

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Having already brought in two players in Yoro and another Dutch connection with Joshua Zirkzee, de Ligt and Mazraoui are the third and fourth signings of the summer, as well as the new INEOS era.

Speaking on the move, de Ligt said: “Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again. I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”

Adding similar in his own welcome statement, Ashworth described Mazraoui as “a dynamic, attacking full-back who can play on both the right and left side of defence”, adding, “His experience and versatility will make him an excellent addition to our squad.

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Meanwhile, there has been little update on United’s potential deal for Manuel Ugarte after terms between the club and the player were said to have been agreed.

Elsewhere over in the blue half of the city, Premier League champions and freshly-crowned Community Shield holders Manchester City have bid goodbye to striker Julián Álvarez after they reached a club-record deal with Atlético Madrid.

Atlético Madrid agree record fee with Manchester City to sign Julián Álvarez

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Featured Images — Bayern Munich (via IG)/West Ham/Nawfel Ajari (via Wikimedia Commons)

Sport

Manchester Basketball set to make history at first-ever Super League Cup finals in the city

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Basketball men's and women's team both in Super League Cup Finals 2026

In case you missed the latest landmark for Manchester Basketball, both of our men’s and women’s teams have officially reached the 2026 Super League Cup Finals.

Aside from being a huge achievement for the fresh sporting franchise in itself, things are now all set up for a perfect weekend for local fans, with the conclusion of the Super League Cup taking place in our city for the very first time.

This year is just the second campaign of the regional basketball organisation’s next chapter, having rebranded from Manchester Giants as part of the SLB’s wider unification process with the British Basketball League, which began in late 2025.

All that being said, it’s quite a watershed moment for this new and improved outfit – and pretty soon, too, so here’s hoping they can follow it up with a dream ending against the kings and queens of the capital.

It’s rare you get both the male and female members from the same side making it to the final of a major competition in the same year, not to mention having it hosted on their own turf.

Zak Irvin, Captain of the Men’s side, said in a statement: “Since I arrived here, the goal has been to bring championships home to the city.

“Our team has a great opportunity to do that in front of a Manchester crowd on the 22nd. It’s going to be an electric final, and having the backing of the Manchester crowd can be a real difference maker.”

With multiple Manc natives like Kaiyem Cleary, Demi Babalola and Irene Oboavwoduo in the squad – all of whom have come through the club’s junior pathways – they’ve got hometown pride on the line, too.

And better yet, they’ve already proved that they can make sure the weight of the occasion doesn’t get the better of them, having just won a major European knockout match as part of the MOBOs Fringe Festival earlier this week.

Facing off against KK Dubrava from Zagreb, they managed to pull off a narrow victory, beating the Croatians 94-92 to make it through to the quarter-finals of this year’s European North Basketball League (ENBL) knockout phase.

17-year-old Irene added, “It means a lot to me to play in a Cup final in my home city. Having my family and friends there, as well as all the support for Manchester, will be incredible.

“To play in a domestic final around the corner from where I’ve grown up is really unique. We’re all excited for the game; it will be a great occasion.”

With the stage set for what we have every faith will be an unforgettable conclusion at the AO Arena, it’s on us to make sure they’ve got the stands on their side.

Taking place on Sunday, 22 March, with seat prices starting from just £26 for adults (or £65 if you want to sit courtside), let’s help Manchester Basketball get over the line against London Lions.

You can grab your tickets right HERE.

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Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via MCR Basketball/AO Arena)

Sport

Kyle Walker announces retirement from international football with England at 35

Danny Jones Danny Jones Kyle Walker has retired from playing for England

Former Manchester City star and England defender has announced his retirement from international football at 35 years old.

He calls it a day for his country with nearly a century of appearances.

Kyle Walker, who has won six Premier Leagues, four Carabao trophies, a pair of FA Cups and a Champions League title with Man City, made his national team debut back in 2011.

Now, nearly a full decade and a half later, he is hanging up his boots on the biggest stage, retiring as England’s most capped right back in history.

As you can see, he confirmed the news in a highlight video looking back on her best moments with the Three Lions.

Sharing a lengthy and emotional statement in the caption, the Yorkshireman wrote: “After more than a decade representing my country, I have decided to retire from international football. Playing for England has always been the biggest honour of my career and something I will always be proud of.

“Thank you to every teammate, coach, manager, the 12th man, and everyone behind the scenes who has been part of the journey. Every roar from the fans pushed the team along, and I’m looking forward to joining them to support the lads in the World Cup.”

His last appearance in an England shirt came in June against Senegal, since dropping out of manager Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice team and future plans, with both form and age no doubt being factored into that decision.

Walker added: “The memories in an England shirt will stay with me forever.”

He went on to sign off by saying, “I also want to thank my family for their support every step of the way. They have made this journey even more special, and I will always be grateful to have shared it with them.”

The Sheffield-born fullback left Manchester last year following a loan spell at AC Milan, before joining fellow Premier League side Burnley FC permanently this past July.

Meanwhile, the Clarets are staring down relegation back to the Championship; however, this step will no doubt help Walker prolong his club career, whether or not he stays in Lancashire.

Where does Walker rank among the all-time England defenders in your mind?

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Featured Images — Oleg Bkhambri (via Wikimedia Commons)/England (screenshot via YouTube)

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