Matthijs de Ligt’s arrival in the summer of 2024 was supposed to solidify a backline that had leaked goals in seasons prior.
His signing was also significant as it reunited him with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, the coach under whom he enjoyed his best form.
From Ajax, he headed to Juventus and then to Bayern Munich, and both sets of fans will argue that the 26-year-old never truly recaptured that form he showed in Amsterdam.
So coming to Manchester to play under his former coach was meant to reignite the centre-back’s career as well as United’s fortunes. It proved anything but.
De Ligt’s rocky start
The Red Devils kept leaking goals, and after nine games, the Dutch manager was sacked, and in came Ruben Amorim with a vastly different style of play.
The team kept struggling and it all culminated in a devastating Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. De Ligt had to share his burden of the criticism as well.
Former United Treble winner Jaap Stam, speaking to Algemeen Dagblad via Sport Witness explained that it is not all the Netherlands international’s fault.
At United, he never has had the tools to excel, while the pressure and the team’s struggles have all combined to paint a bad picture of his talents.
Why he has not excelled
“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. I sometimes miss the confidence in defense 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.”
Even though the 20-time English league champions only have four points from three games this season, there are definite signs of improvement.
Things are changing
And as a result, even Matthijs de Ligt looks much more assured, with the defender enjoying his finest outing in a red shirt against the Gunners.
Stam agreed, and explained that should the team continue to do well, the centre-back will keep excelling and who knows, we might see the Ajax version of the player return.
“Against Arsenal, Matthijs was traditionally strong and accurate. He’s a fantastic defender who keeps going. I hope he continues this trend, and we’ll see the old Matthijs again.”
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
