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Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has weighed in on a Ruben Amorim tactic that has divided the fanbase and sparked debate within the media since his appointment, the back-three.
United in good kind
At present on an unbeaten streak of 5 matches, United lastly seem to have turned the nook underneath Amorim.
The Portuguese coach endured a troublesome 2024/25 marketing campaign after succeeding Erik ten Hag within the Previous Trafford dugout in November final yr. United completed in fifteenth place and misplaced the Europa League remaining to Tottenham Hotspur at San Mames in Spain.
United began 2025/26 in patchy vogue and at one level, Amorim seemed to be at severe threat of shedding his job. Nevertheless, Sir Jim Ratcliffe publicly declared his assist for the 40-year-old and United have been on an upward trajectory since.
Amorim has come underneath strain to change his method and change to a system that favours the present crop of gamers at his disposal. There have been arguments that his favoured 3-4-3 doesn’t work at United, and it could be higher to deploy a extra conventional 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1.
The United head coach has persistently maintained that he is not going to compromise on his rules and if the staff carries on this fashion, he’ll undoubtedly be confirmed proper.
De Ligt has been essential to United’s turnaround. His performances earned him a spot again within the Netherlands squad and he played all 90 minutes as Oranje beat Lithuania to e-book their place within the 2026 World Cup.
Talking after the ultimate whistle, De Ligt revealed how he really feels about Amorim’s system.
De Ligt speaks up
Requested whether or not he has a most well-liked defensive formation, De Ligt advised Flashscore, “No, I don’t actually have a desire.”
“We play with a five-man defence at Manchester United, however on paper, we defend with 4.”
“It didn’t really feel awkward at the moment; it felt the identical as at all times. I can play in each techniques. I’m extra skilled with a five-man defence now.”
“The extra expertise you’ve got, the simpler it will get.”
Requested about being again with the nationwide staff, De Ligt defined, “Whether or not it’s a comeback? Yeah, a bit. I wasn’t right here final time, I haven’t began for a very long time, so I’m delighted with at the moment.”
“The season goes properly to date. I’m unsure should you name it a comeback season, however I’m feeling properly, and it’s going higher with the membership, and now I’m rewarded with a begin, in order that’s nice.”
On the World Cup, De Ligt burdened the significance of being match and rapidly adapting to the circumstances of the match.
Function picture Michael Regan through Getty Pictures
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