Manchester United are undergoing a quiet but meaningful transformation. After a 2024/25 season defined by collective underperformance and a lack of clear identity, the club finds itself at a low point, finishing outside the European places and losing the Europa League final to none other than Tottenham. Still, beneath the surface of disappointment, there are signs of internal reconstruction. The mid-season arrival of Rúben Amorim has introduced a new tactical direction, and while results have yet to reflect a major turnaround, the shift in mentality and structure is already beginning to take shape.
Matthijs de Ligt, one of the club’s marquee defensive signings in recent years, has been at the heart of this evolution. The Dutch centre-back has spoken positively about the changes Amorim has implemented at Old Trafford. Chief among them is the move from a traditional back four, favoured by Erik ten Hag, to a three-man defensive line. According to the club’s official website, De Ligt admitted that the adjustment was initially challenging, as the role demands different movements and positional instincts. However, over time, he has found comfort in the system.
At 25, the former Ajax and Juventus defender values the consistency Amorim brings in applying this structure, something he had never experienced before in his career. He believes the tactical framework has helped him grow, offering new dimensions to his game and enhancing his understanding of space, timing, and defensive coordination.
“For me, personally, obviously going from a two-man defence centre-back to a three-man defence, that’s obviously a change. So yeah, you change the way you play. The positions look the same but they are still quite different. It’s really interesting for me to get this for the first time in my career: a coach who plays this system all the time. I think the more you play in it, the more you get used to it. I can also say that, in this system, I have grown a lot as a player, so I am really happy for that. I think I can adapt quick to systems, from what way I have to play, so it was quite okay. In the beginning, it was a little bit different, because we still had to get used to the system, the way we play. Personally, I felt quite comfortable, soon after we implemented the system but, as a team, obviously we had to grow to get into the system and to become better as a team. “
Will Matthijs de Ligt be back to his best in 2025/26 season?
“I’ve played this system before, it’s just not that I’ve played it every week. Sometimes, certain games we played with five in the back. With the national team [the Netherlands], for example, we played a tournament with five in the back. That’s what I like. I’ve grown up with four in the back so, for me, it was quite different to play every week like this. But, right now, I can say that I’m used to it and there are pros and cons in every system. It’s the same with this. But, until now, I like the way I play and the way I feel in the system, so that’s good.”
From an analytical standpoint, the three-centre-back system appears far more suited to Matthijs de Ligt’s strengths than the traditional back four. In a two-man central defence, his vulnerabilities in covering wider spaces were often exposed. However, under Amorim’s setup, where three defenders share the responsibilities, De Ligt has the flexibility to operate centrally or as the right-sided centre-back, positions that reduce his margin for error and allow him to maximise his strengths.
De Ligt thrives as an aggressive, front-foot defender, excelling in anticipation, one-on-one duels, and aerial battles. With two centre-backs flanking him, he can step out to engage attackers or intercept passes without leaving the back line dangerously exposed. The system not only suits his natural style but also provides him with the tactical freedom to lead the defence with greater authority and confidence.
More Manchester United News:
Moreover, the three-man defence gives De Ligt more licence to carry the ball forward, a quality he displayed regularly during his time at Ajax. Amorim encourages centre-backs to break lines and contribute in build-up play, and that aligns perfectly with De Ligt’s natural instincts. If he can remain fit and the team establishes a cohesive high-pressing structure, the Dutchman has every chance of rediscovering his best form. The reduced need to cover vast spaces behind him, a vulnerability under Ten Hag’s system, also works in his favour. Crucially, his performances will depend on being surrounded by teammates who complement his strengths and offset his limitations, especially in transition.
Yet, there’s a flip side. This comfort zone can also make him overly reliant on the system, potentially limiting his spontaneity and decision-making when things break down. True leadership at the back demands not just positional discipline but adaptability in chaos. The next step in De Ligt’s evolution will be to thrive even when the system falters. It’s not just about fitting into a structure, it’s about rising above it. His long-term influence at United will depend as much on his tactical execution as on his ability to command and inspire under pressure.