22 Jul 2025 12:18:18
I'd like to have a little chat about Matthew de Ligt.
Some posters on this site really don't rate him, whereas I think he is a really good player.
I like his attitude both on and off the pitch. Apparently he took a pay cut to join Utd which to me says a lot about his commitment to the club.
When he plays he always seems to put in maximum effort.
He's comfortable on the ball and his passing is decent.
He's got good leadership and organises the players around him.
The thing people criticise most is his pace and although he's not the fastest, I think he compensates with his positioning.
I really like him in that central centre back position. Especially if he.
22 Jul 2025 12:44:50
Quickens up?
22 Jul 2025 12:46:34
Especially if he is playing alongside Yoro and Heaven who will need guidance.
22 Jul 2025 12:53:16
Agree MancMan, I think most people do, there is only Herr Maze that constantly lays into him. He is a long way clear of Maguire in the CCB position.
22 Jul 2025 13:39:10
Agreed gds. A fine CB.
22 Jul 2025 13:43:08
For me, the main worry is his fitness. He was possible our best cb last season, but that’s not saying much considering how poor we were. The issue is that he’s learning how to lead a back 3, and needs to be available to do this job properly. He should be the defensive leader, but won’t be if he isn’t capable of staying fit.
22 Jul 2025 14:03:14
I also think he's better than many seem to rate him. Certainly not our biggest liability. With fast LCB and RCBs and a competent goalkeeper behind him who commands his area, and gets off his line more quickly and decisively, he may have a bright future.
22 Jul 2025 14:07:24
Herr Maze ???.
22 Jul 2025 15:03:01
By far the least of our worries. As others have said, Yoro De Ligt and Heaven could form a solid foundation if they get a run of games together.
22 Jul 2025 15:18:21
I think the young lad Heaven looks a proper talent.
22 Jul 2025 15:52:58
Lucky for me RA does not share your opinion, hence why he is looking far and wide for a CB, someone with Pace and a leader, he took a pay cut to join us, because no other options available to him.
I don’t think he is terrible, but I don’t think he is great or what United need
He lacks pace, he is not a leader and I also think he a bit rash, not as bad as Martinez rash, but still far too much for the epl, when players go down in the wind. Plus he not great with injuries, yes he gives all he got, but that’s only the required, he is the Dutch equivalent of a McGuire, both slow McGuire better in the air and better organiser, Deligt better passer, but neither are what United need.
We got to get some pace in this team right through the spine and some quality, it’s all too slow and I’m concerned that will continue this season if we don’t change the spine of this team.
{Ed001's Note - you know he could have stayed put and kept the same wage right?}
22 Jul 2025 15:55:18
My starting would be yoro Martinez and de ligt with Martinez being the ccb due to his passing ability and ability to bring the ball out.
Heaven is very good but de ligt starting for me due to experience and knowledge.
22 Jul 2025 16:13:52
In addition to what Ed001 said, he’s Ajax’s youngest ever captain, and has obviously been a leader.
But I have to say that I love the idea of Amorim searching far and wide for a defender, like it’s some kung fu film and he’s in a Tibetan monastery looking to see if a long can organise a back 3.
22 Jul 2025 16:16:51
Has german ever been positive or optimistic about anything? :)
22 Jul 2025 16:47:03
The build up play was/ is very sluggish and pace is certainly needed esp in midfield but a new CB would be good. However if we're playing this system we need at least 6 players good enough to start and for me he's the least of our worries. He's a born leader and in quite a non-vocal team he can regularly be seen shouting orders. I do prefer him over Maguire and Martinez. Not many players have every required attribute but he's got enough to be good asset IMO.
22 Jul 2025 16:52:16
Good question AM2. I think we know the answer, though.
22 Jul 2025 18:06:42
Top defender. Gets exposed because our midfield leaves massive holes. He is not the problem. End of story IMO.
22 Jul 2025 18:15:47
So just 'Herr Maze' who doesn't rate de-Ligt.
I'm hoping he has an injury free season and really establishes himself.
22 Jul 2025 18:20:49
I like the cut of his jib, seems to have a good attitude and if he can stay i njury free, I think he will be a regular.
22 Jul 2025 18:23:59
Yes he could have stayed on same wages and not played!
Not sure being in Ajax team many moons ago, before the injuries and being around good players tactically makes a scrap of difference, along with other slow paced defenders and midfield makes him look much worse
He just is not what we need, besides he gets too many injuries, would I have him in front of Martinez and McGuire, yes absolutely but only because he is best of very bad bunch
If we going to play Heaven and Yoro, we certainly need a experienced leader with pace.
{Ed001's Note - so he did have an option then.}
22 Jul 2025 18:24:20
Is McGuire the Scottish Maguire Supp?
22 Jul 2025 21:39:47
Deligt is not quick but every bit a leader from what I've seen of him.
22 Jul 2025 21:54:11
De Ligt is good option for us, he’s an upgrade on Maguire but has his faults. Personally I’d be moving him on after the season after next when Heaven and Yoro are more seasoned. In short he serves a purpose and as said above the least of our issues rn.
23 Jul 2025 22:43:51
I think he will do for a couple of years, Yoro and Heaven need to develop, Maguire i would expect be in his last year with us i don't aee us moving De Ligt soon
I reckon we move for Inacio in next year, Shaw in last year, Lisandro 2 years left, if we can move him on if he can stay injury free i think we will next year.