Rúben Amorim feels that one of his best players so far this season is going to get even better following Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester United earned a late 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in a gripping Premier League clash on Saturday afternoon.
The match began evenly, with both sides having possession but struggling to find a breakthrough. That changed when Bryan Mbeumo headed home from close range after a brilliant cross by Amad to give Rúben Amorim’s men the lead.
United took that advantage into halftime, but Spurs came out on the front foot after the break. Senne Lammens made several sharp saves to preserve the lead, and Brennan Johnson saw a goal ruled out for offside just after the hour mark.
As both managers turned to their benches, substitute Mathys Tel drew Tottenham level with seven minutes to play.
Then, in a frantic finish, Richarlison thought he’d snatched victory for Spurs—only for Matthijs de Ligt to rise highest and head home a last-gasp equaliser, ensuring the spoils were shared in North London.
De Ligt had a storming display vs Tottenham
When United signed De Ligt for around £35 million in the summer transfer window of 2024, many questioned why the club had secured a player who had failed to secure consistent football at both Juventus and Bayern Munich.
However, after a turbulent first season in Red, the Netherlands international has established himself as one of United’s best players so far this season.
His goal in the dying moments against Tottenham was his first of the season, and it felt very deserved, but beyond just his great header, De Ligt was nothing short of brilliant on Saturday afternoon.
In defence, he made two tackles, six clearances (four with his head), two interceptions, and three recoveries, all while not being driven past once and not committing a single foul.
With the ball, he had 58 touches, scored his one shot on target, completed 37of his 43 attempted passes, and was only dispossessed once in the entire fixture.
Amorim feels De Ligt will get better
Speaking after the game, Amorim was asked about De Ligt and his improvements this season, to which he agreed, as the defender has become very aggressive and smart.
But the United head coach also stated that he feels De Ligt could become even better, as he has more quality on the ball than he is currently showcasing.
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“He is doing really well, really aggressive,” Amorim told the press. “I think he has more quality with the ball than he is showing.
“He is still not wanting to make mistakes. Smart. But when we reach a very good point, our three centre-backs will control tempo and quality of game.”
De Ligt was recently recalled to the Netherlands squad for the upcoming international fixtures, which is well deserved, but Amorim will be hoping that he gets through the fixtures unscathed.
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