Matthijs de Ligt has come under fire for his recent performances at Manchester United, with critics suggesting that the defender’s excessive time in the gym has led to a “clunky” playing style. The Dutch international joined United in a £42 million transfer from Bayern Munich during the summer window, but has struggled to justify his hefty price tag early in the season.
After being at fault for two goals during last week’s Europa League clash against Porto, the coach benched De Ligt for the recent match against Aston Villa. However, he was called upon at half-time to replace the injured Harry Maguire. Expectations were high for the 25-year-old to form a solid defensive partnership with Lisandro Martinez, but his performances have fallen short, prompting questions about his fitness and agility.
Former Premier League winner Chris Sutton voiced his concerns on the “It’s All Kicking Off” podcast, stating, “He’s been in the gym too much. Most people need to get in the gym, but when he was at Ajax, he was not only strong but also agile and mobile. Now, he just looks clunky.”
Manager Erik ten Hag downplayed De Ligt’s absence from the starting lineup against Aston Villa, attributing the decision to squad rotation rather than a lack of confidence in the player. Ten Hag praised De Ligt’s solid performance after he came on, highlighting the importance of freshness within the squad as they navigate a busy fixture schedule.
“This is our fourth clean sheet of the season, which indicates the control we have in and out of possession,” Ten Hag remarked. He emphasized the team’s organization and the chances created in games, suggesting that the overall defensive strategy is functioning well despite individual criticisms.
Despite Ten Hag’s support, De Ligt’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also criticizing his positioning during the recent defeat to Tottenham. Carragher pointed out, “De Ligt is completely out of position in many situations, which raises questions about his understanding of the game.”
As De Ligt aims to regain his form and justify United’s investment, the spotlight remains on whether he can adapt his style of play and better integrate into the team’s defensive setup. With mounting scrutiny and expectations, the upcoming matches will be crucial for the Dutch defender to silence his critics and demonstrate his worth on the pitch.
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