Matthijs de Ligt has had his say on Manchester United’s struggles ahead of their Europa League clash with Real Sociedad.
There is no disputing the fact it has been a disappointing campaign for Manchester United.
Poor results eventually led to Erik ten Hag being dismissed in October and he was eventually replaced by Ruben Amorim.
However, results worsened as there was no ‘new manager bounce’, and United remain in the bottom half of the Premier League table – 14th after 27 matches.
The Reds were also knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend following a penalty shootout defeat to Fulham at Old Trafford.
As a result, the only trophy that United can win is the Europa League, which is the one competition they have performed well in this term. The winner of the competition will secure a place in next year’s Champions League.
United are unbeaten in eight Europa League matches before they face Real Sociedad in San Sebastian. Amorim will be hoping United’s first-team can continue their impressive run in Europe to reach the quarter-finals.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
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Matthijs de Ligt not shocked by Manchester United struggles
After a summer transfer from Bayern Munich, Matthijs de Ligt joined a United defence that had a lot of problems.
The Netherlands international has shown glimpses of what he can bring to the team in his debut season, but poor results are going to overshadow that.
De Ligt has admitted he would not consider the struggles United have faced this season as a “shock”, citing the competitive nature of the Premier League.
Although De Ligt isn’t shocked by United’s shortcomings, the defender admits better should have been expected.
“I wouldn’t call it a shock,” De Ligt told reporters during Thursday’s pre-match press conference. “What I said, obviously, you would have expected a little bit better the way it is at the moment. But, yes, it’s the Premier League where you’re playing.
“And the Premier League is, you can’t be at 99 per cent every day because then you lose games against the teams that are in the Premier League. So, obviously, this season, in a lot of games, we haven’t been good enough. So we know that.
“We try to improve as a team, try to improve as an individual, which also is really important, I think. And then, in the end, it has also sometimes a little bit to do with luck also, I think. But we all know that we have to improve and to become better.
“But I’m now talking about the Premier League. But I think tomorrow [vs Real Sociedad] is another chance to show our worth in a European competition.
“Until now, we haven’t lost a game. So hopefully we can keep it that way and get a good result.”
What’s next for De Ligt?
De Ligt will be the leader in United’s defence when they take on Real Sociedad in the Europa League tonight.
Harry Maguire did not travel with the squad to San Sebastian, which means De Ligt is likely to take a central role in United’s back three following an impressive display against Fulham.
The 25-year-old is a leader on the pitch and has a wealth of experience from his time at Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich.
United need De Ligt and his defensive partners to be at their best for the trip to Real Sociedad. It’s key to getting the desired result in Spain.
After Sociedad, De Ligt will be among the players preparing to face Arsenal in the Premier League.