Manchester United are going through a rough phase as they suffered a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
It was an underwhelming performance from Ruben Amorim’s men as the Red Devils languish to 14th spot with a couple of defeats, a draw and a solitary win against newly promoted Burnley.
It all started with Phil Foden’s 18th minute strike followed by Erling Haaland running riot against the United defenders as he finished with a second half brace.
There were a lot of questions on United’s defense as they struggled to keep up with the Norwegian and with the number of chances that City created, they could have scored more goals.
Matthijs de Ligt, who was once regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe has failed to realize his potential since moving to Old Trafford.
He was part of a great Ajax team led by former United manager Erik ten Hag where they reached the Champions League semifinal 2018/19 campaign.
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He featured for Juventus and Bayern Munich before moving to Man United but never really managed to cement his place anywhere since his stint at Ajax.
The Dutch international has been one of the most trusted players in defense for the Red Devils under Ten Hag and also under Amorim but his performances haven’t been the best especially in recent games.
Courtesy of his recent form, he has only featured for a couple of minutes for Netherlands in their last two World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Lithuania, hinting that he had fallen off Ronald Koeman’s pecking order in the national team.
What did Japp Stam say about Manchester United star Matthijs De Ligt?
Former Manchester United and Netherlands defender Japp Stam has come out publicly in De Ligt’s defence as he expects the Dutchman to bounce back following a shaky start to the season at Old Trafford.
“Against Arsenal, Matthijs was traditionally strong and accurate,” Stam told in an interview with Algemeen Dagblad. “The tricky thing at United is that it’s hard to see what’s expected of defenders. It’s often a deadlock. The conditions to excel aren’t really created. You can’t really talk about potential anymore. Matthijs is smart and mature and should be a key player by now.
Stam believes it is a confidence factor that has impacted De Ligt’s performances for United in recent times as he desperately wants to see the confidence that he had during his time at Ajax.
“I sometimes miss the confidence in defence and in the build-up that he had at Ajax. But I’m sure he still has that. Sometimes you’re insecure because of what’s happening in front of you. I know that feeling. Always covering for you and expecting the same in return but not getting it. Then he goes back to the basics, even though he’s a fantastic defender who keeps going. I hope he continues this trend, and we’ll see the old Matthijs again.”
The Red Devils will also hope that De Ligt reaches his peak form in no time as they desperately need the 26-year-old to be at his best against Chelsea on September 20.
Following the defeat in the Manchester Derby, United and Amorim are under immense pressure to bounce back against Chelsea, who are yet to taste defeat in the 2025/26 campaign.
Manchester United news and related links
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