Matthijs de Ligt has easily been one of Manchester United’s best and most consistent players so far this season.
Ruben Amorim had a big decision to make at the heart of his defence for 2025/26, with Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire competing for the same position in the centre of the back three.
Ultimately, Amorim has preferred to start De Ligt and so far his faith in the Dutchman has been repaid through his performances.
De Ligt was “excellent” against Arsenal and a titan against Fulham. Despite conceding twice in the 3-2 win over Burnley on Saturday afternoon, the 26-year-old defender was impressive again.
However, even after picking up three points, De Ligt has urged his teammates to improve.
Manchester United players celebrate against Burnley
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Matthijs de Ligt spotted Man United concern vs Burnley
United made hard work of the Burnley win – the first-half performance alone should have put the Red Devils well out of sight.
Thankfully, Bruno Fernandes stepped up and converted an injury-time penalty to give United a crucial three points, but De Ligt knows it should have been a much easier afternoon for him and his teammates.
Speaking to Manchester United media after the full-time whistle, the Dutchman warned that energy dropped in the second half and similar mistakes can’t be made moving forward.
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“Overall, a really stable performance, solid. But obviously, you keep them in the game by not scoring 2-0 or maybe 3-0 so that’s something we could improve.
“Also, the second half, you felt we dropped in energy and attention and then you see that, out of nowhere, they could score goals and make it difficult for us.
“That’s something we definitely have to improve, but the fact that we came back and immediately scored 2-1, and after 2-2 we believed to score 3-2 was the biggest plus for today.
“But we won’t get away with it every week, so we definitely need to improve.”
Man United must take positives from Burnley win
In all three Premier League games this season, United have been the better side and should have scored more.
It has been hugely frustrating for Amorim on the touchline – and fans in the stands – watching United dominate matches but not get what they deserve.
Finally, United were able to pick up three points against Burnley, even if it was harder than it needed to be.
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But with performances like that, results will come. Scott Parker was amazed by United’s display, and if Amorim can keep his side consistent, the points tally will grow quickly.
Heading into the international break, it was important to build confidence and not attract more criticism. With Manchester City and Chelsea up next, United will have a chance to truly show their progression when the Premier League resumes.