Manchester United address Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui deals as Garnacho substitute role explained

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag conceded the squad have more "problems" in defence amid the imminent signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

United agreed fees with Bayern Munich for centre back De Ligt and right back Mazraoui before their penalty shootout defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield.

The United defence was constantly depleted last season and Ten Hag selected more than 30 different back fours across their 52 games in the 2023-24 season.

Ten Hag only had four senior defenders available against City and did not name left back Harry Amass on the bench at Wembley, where winger Facundo Pellistri was sent on to play at right back.

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The arrivals of De Ligt and Mazraoui are set to coincide with the departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham United. Wan-Bissaka was not in the United squad against City.

"No, I can’t," Ten Hag replied when asked if he could provide an update on De Ligt and Mazraoui. "When we have some news, we will announce it. Until that point, we will work with the squad that is available.

"It’s clear we have the problems (in defence) and we have to work. The players have to work to be available and the staff have to work. Together it should be a good collaboration with the players who are available."

Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench to score for the second match running against City and put United ahead in the 82nd minute. The 20-year-old only reported for pre-season training last Friday as he participated in Argentina's run to the Copa America final.

Ten Hag named Garnacho on the bench for the first time since October, ending the winger's