De Ligt was once touted as the next big thing after he performed exceptionally well for the 阿賈克斯 super team under Erik ten Hag, which reached the semi-final of the 冠軍聯賽 in the 2018-19 season. However, the Dutch defender failed to realise his potential in his stints at 尤文圖斯 和 拜仁慕尼黑. De Ligt moved to Old Trafford in the summer of 2024.
De Ligt has been a key figure in the 團結的 defence since his move last year and has had enough opportunities under Ten Hag and then Amorim. In the 2025-26 campaign, he continues to feature regularly under Amorim, but the belief is that he can reach a much higher level compared to his current performance. Echoing a similar sentiment, Red Devils legend Staam pointed out the lack of confidence in his compatriot, but he backed the 26-year-old to be back at his very best.
正在說話 Algemeen Dagblad Staam said: “Against 兵工廠, Matthijs was traditionally strong and accurate. The tricky thing at United is that it’s hard to see what’s expected of defenders. It’s often a deadlock. The conditions to excel aren’t really created. You can’t really talk about potential anymore. Matthijs is smart and mature and should be a key player by now.
“I sometimes miss the confidence in defence and in the build-up that he had at Ajax. But I’m sure he still has that. Sometimes you’re insecure because of what’s happening in front of you. I know that feeling. Always covering for you and expecting the same in return but not getting it. Then he goes back to the basics, even though he’s a fantastic defender who keeps going. I hope he continues this trend, and we’ll see the old Matthijs again.”
With no European football, Amorim’s side will get the entire week to recover from the 3-0 loss in the Manchester 德比 and prepare for their upcoming 英超聯賽 fixture against 切爾西 on September 20.
