Former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen has dropped a stinging verdict on Matthijs de Ligt, claiming the Dutch centre-half looks too "heavy". Meulensteen, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, believes De Ligt must urgently rediscover his sharpness if he is to cement himself as the defensive rock United so desperately need.
Ex-United coach questions De Ligt’s weight'Critical' season for Dutch defenderAmorim favouring De Ligt for nowFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
So far this season, De Ligt has been the preferred man to marshal the centre of United’s three-man defence, flanked by Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw. That reshuffle has left long-serving defender Harry Maguire warming the bench, with the England international omitted from the starting XI in both the 1-0 loss to Arsenal and the 1-1 draw at Fulham.
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De Ligt has shown moments of assurance, but Meulensteen believes the towering defender still has another gear to find. Against Fulham, his lapse in concentration played a part in Emile Smith Rowe’s leveller, costing United what would have been their first win of the campaign.
WHAT MEULENSTEEN SAID
Speaking candidly to Meulensteen said: "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 Rubem Amorim.
“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."
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Meulensteen insists stability in defence is vital if United are to rebuild their reputation under Amorim, and that requires more than just physicality.
"They have so many central defenders to choose from. Consistency is key, especially in the backline to create stability," he said. "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 [De Ligt] is only 26, I thought he was older given all the clubs he's played for. You'd expect him to be the next consistent centre-back for the next four years, easily. We'll see what happens."