Erik ten Hag addresses Manchester United double deal with 21-year-old Arsenal star ‘to join’

Erik ten Hag has addressed two of Manchester United’s pending transfers as an Arsenal academy star is reportedly set to join Old Trafford.

Despite mixed pre-season results, Manchester United put up a strong performance but ultimately fell short against Manchester City in the Community Shield, losing on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Erik ten Hag‘s side showed promising form, creating numerous opportunities for Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Scott McTominay before Alejandro Garnacho broke the deadlock with just 10 minutes remaining.

Read More: Manchester United make sensible U-turn with three transfers now “on the verge”

Unfortunately, with only two minutes left in regulation time, Bernardo Silva managed to outmanoeuvre makeshift right-back Facundo Pellistri, levelling the score and forcing the match into a penalty shootout where City clinched the victory.

Despite the defeat, there were many positives to take away, including United’s ability to create chances, their style of play, and the impressive individual performances of returning players like Lisandro Martínez and Kobbie Mainoo.

However, before the game, it was widely reported that United had agreed fees for Bayern Munich pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. The pair will join for an initial £50 million, with both deals also including add-ons of around £4.3 million each.

When asked about the two transfers, Ten Hag refused to reveal any confirmation, saying: “When we have some news, then we will announce it, and until that point, we work with the squad that is available.

“It is clear we have problems, and the players have to work to be available, and the staff have to work so that the players are available.”

Meanwhile, a report from Polish outlet WP SportoweFakty that 21-year-old Polish star Hubert Graczyk, having departed Arsenal this summer, may become a new goalkeeper at United.

It is written that the move is now “very likely” and that should United complete the transfer for Graczyk, he would become the club’s fourth-choice goalkeeper, following André Onana, Altay Bayındır, and Tom Heaton.

Graczyk left Arsenal after his contract expired, and he was surprisingly left out of many of the Gunners’ U21 games last season. He is presumed to be joining the club on the basis that he will become the club’s first-choice U21s goalkeeper.

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