“I was very critic of him but looking at what he’s doing currently, I think he has proved me wrong…He’s now Man United’s best player”: Man City coach Pep Guardiola has named ONE Man United’s player who has proved him wrong this season
Not every player arrives at Manchester United and hits the ground running.
Fans often need to be patient to allow for new signings to settle at Manchester United.
Some are exceptions, like Bruno Fernandes, who had no problems adapting to the Premier League after joining from Sporting CP in 2020. The Portugal international instantly became a star player with his goalscoring contributions.
It doesn’t help when United are losing football matches because it adds more pressure to the equation.
The Reds are currently sat in the bottom half of the Premier League and out of the Carabao Cup, but Ruben Amorim’s side still have a chance to win silverware as they remain in the Europa League and FA Cup.
United made five signings in the summer, including Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui, but they are all at different stages of their adaptation period.
Matthijs de Ligt earns Rio Ferdinand’s respect
Matthijs de Ligt joined United from Bayern Munich in the summer as Erik ten Hag added to a defence which had been subject to heavy criticism.
It has taken the Netherlands international time to adapt, but he has shown signs in big games that he is a good addition, including his performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has been critical of De Ligt in the past, but he changed his tune after the weekend, saying the former Ajax and Juventus star had earned his respect.
“The week before, De Ligt gets criticised, one moment… I criticised him 100 per cent, but you have to show character to come back the week after and perform,” Ferdinand said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
“[He] put in a performance De Ligt, so you have to respect that.”
It was a performance that United fans will hope De Ligt builds on for the rest for the season.
Matthijs de Ligt stats against Arsenal
Although Altay Bayindir received most of the plaudits after United’s win over Arsenal on penalties, the Turkey international wasn’t the only stand-out performer.
De Ligt struggled at Anfield a week before United’s FA Cup third-round tie but he redeemed himself at the Emirates Stadium.
Alongside Harry Maguire, De Ligt was a rock at the back and helped keep Arsenal at bay throughout the match.
The Netherlands international showed his desire in the 91st minute as he sprinted back to help protect United’s goal. He also made a vital interception to get in front of a cross when it appeared Leandro Trossard was about to tap it into the net from two yards out.
De Ligt deserves the praise he is getting after a strong display against Mikel Arteta’s men.
