Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd star he expects him to be ‘so much better’

Ruben Amorim believes Matthijs de Ligt can perform ‘so much better’ despite the defender hitting top form for Manchester United this season.  

The Netherlands international joined United from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024 and has emerged as one of the club’s most important players this season.

De Ligt has been ever-present in United’s Premier League starting XI this term, playing every minute with his form key to their improving fortunes.

The centre-half emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young talents at Ajax, captaining the side that reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 at just 18.

Moves to Juventus and Bayern Munich saw him struggle to live up to the huge expectations his early performances created with injuries also hampering his progress.

But the 25-year-old has gone from strength to strength at United and, with the possible exception of new signing Bryan Mbeumo, has been United’s player of the season so far.

While delighted with his contribution so far this term, Amorim is keen for de Ligt to be more ‘confident’ with the ball at his feet,  believing he can ‘control the tempo’ of a game from deep.

Amorim told Stadium Astro: ‘He is doing really well. I think he can play so much better with the ball.

‘He needs to regain that confidence. I remember seeing him playing for Ajax when he started his career.

‘He needs to return a little bit back to that part of being confident to be that guy who demands to control the tempo of the game.

‘I think it is something he can improve. But the way he is defending, transmitting strength to the team, intensity to the team, it’s something I’m really pleased with.

‘But I think he can be so much better.’

United are back in action on Monday night when they welcome Everton to Old Trafford.

With Harry Maguire unavailable, de Ligt is surely in line for another starting role with Lisandro Martinez also pushing for a return having recovered from the knee injury that has sidelined him since February.