Matthijs de Ligt has explained one of the biggest reasons for his impressive Manchester United form so far this season.
Manchester United brought in Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich during the summer of 2024, and while his debut season at Old Trafford was somewhat inconsistent, he has been outstanding so far this campaign.
Under Ruben Amorim, De Ligt has arguably been United’s standout performer this term, featuring in every Premier League minute to date.
The Dutch defender was named the club’s Player of the Month for August and has been a rock at the back, excelling both in the centre and on the right side of a back three.
At just 26, De Ligt already boasts an impressive resume, having represented some of Europe’s elite clubs such as Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich before making the move to Manchester.
De Ligt explains biggest reason for United form
Many United fans have been pleasantly surprised by the form of De Ligt in recent months and it has even earned him a call-up back to the Dutch national team.
The defender has been asked about his positive form and explained how one of the most important changes he has made is through his mindset.
After thinking about how to avoid mistakes beforehand, De Ligt is now purely focused on helping his team on the pitch and it seems to be working.
“I’m 26 now and, I think, I’m entering the best years of my career, both physically and mentally,” he told NOS.
“I’ve changed my mindset. Initially, I didn’t want to make mistakes; now I want to do as many good things as possible.”
United still need to improve defensively
Even though United’s backline is starting to look better, the Reds are still conceding too many goals and that needs to change if they are going to pick up more wins.
If both of the latest draws with Spurs and Nottingham Forest, the goals conceded were easily avoidable and cost the team extra points.
De Ligt’s aggression and intensity both inside his own box and when pressing is something that all of his teammates need to match if United are to be successful.
The Reds could also do with an improvement on the left flank, with Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot failing to perform on that side.
Lisandro Martínez’s return could allow Amorim to test Luke Shaw further forward as he is one of the best crossers of the ball that United currently have, although there are doubts about his ability to compete physically in that position.
But if De Ligt can keep up this form going forward, he will be crucial to Amorim’s defensive plans going forward.
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