Matthijs de Ligt had a great view of Manchester United’s toothless attack against Everton.
Exactly one year on from Ruben Amorim’s first match as Manchester United head coach, the Red Devils suffered a 1-0 defeat to Everton at Old Trafford.
Despite Everton going down to 10 men, United failed to score past Jordan Pickford. The absence of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha was felt, with Joshua Zirkzee underwhelming on his first start of the season.
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Matthijs de Ligt has been United’s best defender this season, but there was nothing he could have done to stop Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s curling effort in the first half.
After that, the Dutch defender watched as United frustratingly failed in the final third. After the full-time whistle, he gave a damning verdict.
Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt as Manchester United lose to Everton.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Matthijs de Ligt questions Man United game plan
Over the November break, Amorim challenged De Ligt to improve in possession, but it was his United teammates who were sloppy against Everton.
After the full-time whistle, Matthijs de Ligt questioned why United were trying to cross the ball into an Everton team who are dominant in the air.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, De Ligt said: “From our side, we didn’t do enough. Didn’t make the runs or bodies into the box.
“They are strong in the air so we didn’t have the players to score from that.
“We basically played to their strengths. These are the main aspects, but we have to look at ourselves and it’s not good enough.”
Man United lacked a Plan B against Everton
De Ligt is unfortunately spot on in his assessment. United were toothless going forward and completely void of ideas.
With Bruno Fernandes playing in a deeper role and Cunha out injured, there was a lack of creativity in the final third.
United managed 23 shots on goal but failed to score past an in-form Jordan Pickford.
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Questions will be asked of Amorim and his tactical setup after United lost to 10 men for the first time ever at Old Trafford.
De Ligt’s comments didn’t appear to be a direct swipe at Amorim and his game plan, but the United star is right to wonder why United had no coherent way to break down the 10-men Toffees.