Matthijs de Ligt Promises Manchester United a Strong Comeback

Matthijs de Ligt has assured Manchester United fans that the team is determined to deliver a successful season following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. United finished the previous season without a trophy and placed 15th in the Premier League, marking their worst performance since relegation in 1974. As the new season approaches, club officials are aiming for a top-six finish.

The team kicked off their pre-season tour in the United States with a 2-1 victory against West Ham United in New Jersey. They will continue their tour with matches against Bournemouth in Chicago on Wednesday and Everton in Atlanta next Sunday, culminating in a final friendly against Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9.

Head coach Ruben Amorim expressed his regret to supporters on the last day of the previous season, characterizing it as a “disastrous” year. He emphasized that Manchester United has a rich history of overcoming challenges, stating, “if there is one club in the world that has proven in the past it can overcome any situation, any disaster, it is our club. It is Manchester United Football Club.”

De Ligt echoed this sentiment, saying, “Of course we owe it to them,” referring to the supporters. He added, “But I think, first of all, we owe it to ourselves. I mean, we are all unhappy with our performances last season.” De Ligt highlighted the importance of improving their own game to bring joy to the fans this season.

Looking ahead, De Ligt is optimistic about the team’s future, noting, “There’s a lot of positivity now in the camp. Also, some new players. We have a lot of time to train now.” He stressed the significance of building confidence after such a challenging season, stating that victories like the one against West Ham are crucial for regaining that confidence.

The defender acknowledged that the absence of European football could be beneficial for the squad. “If you use the time well, it can definitely be an advantage,” he explained. He noted that many teams participating in the Champions League struggled in the Premier League last season and emphasized the need for the team to maximize their training sessions.

In the match against West Ham, De Ligt played in a back three alongside Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven. The starting lineup is likely to resemble what fans can expect against Arsenal in three weeks. Although Amorim was cautious about the team’s performance, De Ligt remained encouraged by their initial showing.

“Last season was not good enough, we know that. And now we have to find a way to improve,” he said. De Ligt pointed out that new signings, such as Matheus Cunha, can significantly contribute to the team’s success. He praised the squad’s mentality, highlighting their high pressing and intensity during the match.

Overall, De Ligt believes that the team’s performance against West Ham was a strong indication of their potential moving forward. With a focus on improvement and a commitment to their supporters, Manchester United is poised to tackle the upcoming season with renewed determination.