Matthijs de Ligt Reveals Key Factors Behind Manchester United Success

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt attributes his impressive performances this season to a shift in mindset and maintaining his fitness. De Ligt made headlines last weekend by scoring a late equalizer against Tottenham in the Premier League, contributing significantly to his team’s campaign. He is the only United player to have participated in every league minute this season and has earned a recall to the Netherlands national squad for the upcoming November internationals.

In a recent interview with NOS Sport, De Ligt reflected on his career progression. “I’m 26 now and, I think, I’m entering the best years of my career, both physically and mentally,” he stated. He emphasized that he has developed a new approach to his game. “Initially, I didn’t want to make mistakes; now I want to do as many good things as possible,” he added.

De Ligt elaborated on the reasons behind his improvement, noting the psychological impact of past injuries. “I’ve had quite a few injuries in recent years, which took a toll on my confidence in my body,” he explained. With a complete pre-season under his belt, he feels more integrated into the club and the league, which has enhanced his confidence and assertiveness on the pitch.

He has also resumed strength training, a practice he had previously set aside. “I don’t care about that kind of criticism [about my condition] anymore,” he remarked, highlighting his resilience. “I’ve been through a lot and now know what’s good for me. I won’t be deviating from that anytime soon.”

De Ligt’s return to the national squad comes after being overlooked last month, and he acknowledged the emotional toll this had taken. “If you’re not in the squad, it affects you. But the national coach decides,” he noted. “For me, it was important to stay true to myself and keep going. I think being selected again is a victory.”

Reflecting on his recall, Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman pointed out that De Ligt had struggled with confidence in the past but has shown significant improvement. “He didn’t look confident in his play, and I told him so. He’s calmer now, and I felt I should include him again,” Koeman stated.

While De Ligt was not included in United’s leadership group introduced at the start of the season, manager Ruben Amorim praised his on-field contributions. “We choose players who lead in different ways. Some lead through their play, while others have a broader involvement in everything that happens,” Amorim explained. “I think he is doing really well, really aggressive, is defending well. I believe he has more quality with the ball than he is showing.”

Amorim also noted that De Ligt is still in the process of gaining full confidence with the ball. “He is doing that really well because that is a smart thing for a player. But when we reach a very good point, our three centre-backs will control the tempo and the quality of the game.”

De Ligt’s transformation not only highlights his personal growth but also reflects the potential of Manchester United’s defensive lineup as they strive for success this season. As the Premier League continues, De Ligt’s contributions will be crucial for both club and country.