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Matthijs de Ligt’s arrival in the summertime of 2024 was presupposed to solidify a backline that had leaked targets in seasons prior.
His signing was additionally vital because it reunited him along with his former Ajax supervisor Erik ten Hag, the coach below whom he loved his greatest type.
From Ajax, he headed to Juventus after which to Bayern Munich, and each units of followers will argue that the 26-year-old by no means actually recaptured that type he confirmed in Amsterdam.
So coming to Manchester to play below his former coach was meant to reignite the centre-back’s profession in addition to United’s fortunes. It proved something however.
De Ligt’s rocky begin
The Purple Devils stored leaking targets, and after 9 video games, the Dutch manager was sacked, and in got here Ruben Amorim with a vastly completely different type of play.
The workforce stored struggling and all of it culminated in a devastating Europa League ultimate defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. De Ligt needed to share his burden of the criticism as effectively.
Former United Treble winner Jaap Stam, chatting with Algemeen Dagblad by way of Sport Witness defined that it’s not all of the Netherlands worldwide’s fault.
At United, he by no means has had the instruments to excel, whereas the stress and the workforce’s struggles have all mixed to color a foul image of his skills.
Why he has not excelled
“The tough factor at United is that it’s exhausting to see what’s anticipated of defenders. It’s usually a impasse. The circumstances to excel aren’t actually created.
“You may’t actually speak about potential anymore. Matthijs is wise and mature and needs to be a key participant by now. I generally miss the arrogance in protection and within the build-up that he had at Ajax.
“However I’m positive he nonetheless has that. Generally you’re insecure due to what’s taking place in entrance of you. I do know that feeling. At all times overlaying for you and anticipating the identical in return however not getting it.”
Regardless that the 20-time English league champions solely have 4 factors from three video games this season, there are particular indicators of enchancment.
Issues are altering
And in consequence, even Matthijs de Ligt appears rather more assured, with the defender having fun with his finest outing in a red shirt in opposition to the Gunners.
Stam agreed, and defined that ought to the workforce proceed to do effectively, the centre-back will hold excelling and who is aware of, we would see the Ajax model of the participant return.
“In opposition to Arsenal, Matthijs was historically sturdy and correct. He’s a incredible defender who retains going. I hope he continues this pattern, and we’ll see the outdated Matthijs once more.”
Characteristic picture Michael Regan by way of Getty Photos
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