Matthijs de Ligt says one Manchester United star “changed the game” vs Southampton

Manchester United star Matthijs de Ligt has praised one of his teammates for a ‘game changing’ performance against Southampton.

Arriving this summer in a £38 million move from Bayern Munich, the Dutchman was reunited with his former manager Erik ten Hag.

Rewarding his manager for signing him De Ligt, 25, opened the scoring on Saturday, heading home the first goal of the game as the Red Devils went on to win 3-0. The Dutch international would go on to play 67 minutes before being subbed after suffering with cramp.

Despite the undeniable quality of his excellent opener, De Ligt would have not been the man to score first at St Mary’s if not for United goalkeeper Andre Onana making a vital penalty save after 33 minutes.

Stopping Southampton striker Cameron Archer by diving powerfully to his right, Onana’s save came just two minutes before De Ligt’s goal.

Speaking about his former Ajax and current Manchester United teammate, De Ligt was full of congratulations for Onana:

“Obviously, really important [to win],” De Ligt told TNT Sports. “I think if you get three points out the first three games, it’s not enough. So there was some pressure on the game.

“I think we played very well. A big credit to Andre [Onana], he changed the game for us and a clean sheet, so obviously [that was] very nice.”

Though he was quick to praise his defensive teammate, it was De Ligt who was awarded man of the match against Southampton, following his integral part in the Reds’ win.

Both scoring and keeping a clean sheet, De Ligt was unlucky not to double his tally, with only an excellent save from Southampton keeper Aaron Ramsdale denying him.

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