Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has been criticised for his "concerning form" this season and has been branded "too heavy" by a former coach at the club
Matthijs de Ligt playing for Manchester United
A former Manchester United coach has criticised Matthijs de Ligt at the start of the season
(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has claimed Matthijs de Ligt is enduring a difficult spell at the club because he has "become a little too heavy".
De Ligt has featured in both of United's Premier League games so far this season as well as Wednesday night's Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town on penalties, and his performances have worried Meulensteen.
The Netherlands international is currently Ruben Amorim's go-to option for the central role in United's three-man defence, flanked by Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw. Amorim opted to bench Harry Maguire for both the 1-0 loss to Arsenal and the 1-1 draw with Fulham.
De Ligt, a half-time substitute in United's shock defeat to Grimsby, joined from Bayern Munich last summer and has featured 45 times for the club. The 26-year-old defender showcased his ability at the top level with Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern before arriving at Old Trafford.
But Meulensteen – who served on Sir Alex Ferguson's coaching staff for six years at Old Trafford – has identified an issue that could be hampering his progress.
"Matthijs de Ligt's form is a concern because consistent performances and leadership are not guaranteed week in, week out," he explained to CoinPoker. "He had a significant number of injuries last year and wasn't always a first-choice player for Ruben Amorim.
Matthijs de Ligt running vs Grimsby Town
Matthijs de Ligt couldn't stop Manchester United suffering humiliation at the hands of Grimsby Town
"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.
"It will be interesting to see what formation Amorim implements at Manchester United, given the number of centre-back options. They have so many central defenders to choose from. Consistency is key, especially in the backline to create stability. Players need to understand each other's movements and react accordingly.
"Injuries sometimes necessitate chopping and changing, this is definitely a critical season for him. He's only 26, I thought he was older given all the clubs he's played for.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Rene Meulensteen
Rene Meulensteen was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's coaching staff for six years
"You'd expect him to be the next consistent centre-back for the next four years, easily. We'll see what happens."
In their last Premier League outing, United seized the advantage against Fulham after Yoro's header from a corner ricocheted off Rodrigo Muniz and found the net. Amorim's side couldn't maintain their lead as Emile Smith Rowe slipped into the penalty area to slot past Altay Bayindir a quarter of an hour later.
However, United's subsequent defeat to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup was one of the lowest points in Amorim's tenure. After finding themselves 2-0 down at the interval, United rallied in the second half but were unable to find a winner before losing in a penalty shootout.
Matthijs de Ligt playing for Manchester United
United signed De Ligt for £38.6million plus £4.3m in add-ons last year
De Ligt shares a strong rapport with Amorim and is confident that the former Sporting CP coach will rectify things at United. "I've experienced many managers and he's one of the most easy to talk to as a player," he said earlier in the summer.
"He's really into details. Before signing new players, first he's looking at the culture, what needs to change and what can be improved to become a better football club. From next season we will see more of that.
"I think he wants to build a team of players who are together, fighting for each other and making the most out of what they have. Maybe before, you had the best players, but you're not a team."
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