A Manchester United star has been told he's become "a little too heavy" in a stunning assessment by one of the club's former coaches.
It's been a difficult start to the season for Ruben Amorim, whose side have picked up just a point after two games. The Portuguese tactician has come under pressure after a disastrous 15th-place finish last term, and some of his players are also facing criticism.
A 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in a season-opener at Old Trafford was followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Fulham. Amorim is struggling to string together a run of wins, and one of his players is failing to win over their doubters.
Ex-Man Utd Coach Makes Controversial 'Heavy' Claim
Rene Meulensteen and Sir Alex Ferguson
Rene Meulensteen (pictured left), who was a member of Sir Alex Ferguson's backroom staff, has given his take on United and one player n particular. He told CoinPoker: "Matthijs de Ligt's form is a concern because consistent performances and leadership are not guaranteed week in, week out. He had a significant number of injuries last year and wasn't always a first-choice player for Ruben Amorim."
The Dutchman then suggested that his compatriot's inconsistency is partly down to weight: "When he first emerged at Ajax, he was a strong athlete. But I believe he has become a little too heavy over time, which hasn't always benefited his game, despite his naturally strong build. This will be a critical season for him."
Matthijs de Ligt is one of the strongest players in Amorim's squad, a tough-tackling defender who throws his body into challenges. He was highly praised for his display in United's season-opening defeat to Arsenal for managing to keep Viktor Gyokeres quiet.
The 50-cap Netherlands international was then criticised for a questionable performance in a 1-1 draw away to Fulham. He was one of two players seemingly at fault for Emile Smith Rowe's equaliser.
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The Dutch centre-back has had a topsy-turvy time at Old Trafford since arriving from Bayern Munich last summer in a £42.9m deal. He is a regular member of Amorim's team, but hasn't always been fit due to fitness issues.
The 26-year-old is a journeyman, arriving at United from Bayern after previous spells at Juventus and Ajax. He was tipped to become one of Dutch football's superstars while at the Johan Cruyff Arena, but has yet to fulfill his potential.
De Ligt was signed by Amorim's predecessor, Erik ten Hag, under whom he emerged as one of Europe's brightest defensive talents at Ajax. He made a frustrating start to life at Old Trafford but has shown glimpses of his defensive nous under his current head coach.
Was De Ligt Man Utd's Second Option Last Summer?
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De Ligt wasn't the first centre-back on United's radar back in the 2024 summer transfer window as the club's priority was Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite. The Red Devils tried signing the Englishman twice, offering bids worth up to £50m plus add-ons, but the Toffees stood firm on their £70m valuation.
The 23-year-old is expected to become a mainstay in England's national team for years to come and has impressed with consistent performances in the Premier League. He committed his future to his boyhood club in July, signing a new long-term deal which expires in 2030.
Jarrad Branthwaite in action for Everton
That would almost certainly rule out a potential move for Branthwaite in the remainder of this window, which closes next Monday (September 1). But that doesn't mean De Ligt is a certain starter because Amorim has the likes of Harry Maguire, 32, and rising star Ayden Heaven, 18, to call upon.