Matthijs de Ligt left Germany, the Netherlands' opponent on Tuesday in the Nations League, for a new adventure under his former coach at Ajax, Erik ten Hag. De Ligt looks back positively on his first weeks. "I think it's important that I also really enjoy being there as a person, that might be the most important thing."
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Matthijs de Ligt’s journey to Manchester United this summer marked a new chapter in the defender’s career, bringing fresh challenges and opportunities as he settles into life in England’s demanding Premier League.
His decision to leave Bayern Munich, where he had established himself under top-level managers like Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann, was motivated by more than just reuniting with his former Ajax coach, Erik ten Hag. Instead, it was a desire to embrace the intensity and rigor of what many consider the world’s toughest football league. Now, as De Ligt navigates his early days at Old Trafford, both his on-pitch performances and personal experiences highlight the complexities of such a high-profile move.
In his first comments since joining Manchester United, De Ligt expressed his contentment with his new environment. "It’s going really well, I’m having a great time there," he said. "It’s a fantastic club in terms of the support and love you receive as a player." His words underscore the welcoming atmosphere he has found at United, a club known for its passionate fan base and its commitment to supporting players through both victories and setbacks.
Despite this positive personal adjustment, the defender’s start on the pitch has been mixed. His first full appearance for United came against one of the Premier League’s most formidable sides, Liverpool, which featured the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo fellow Dutchmen who also represent the national team. Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, showcased the competitive edge that makes the Premier League so challenging, defeating Manchester United 3-0. The result was a stark reminder of the uphill battle De Ligt and his teammates face in their quest to return United to its former glory.
However, despite the team’s struggles in that match, De Ligt’s individual performance stood out in a positive way, suggesting that he has the potential to become a key figure in United’s defense. Before the Liverpool match, De Ligt had made a brief substitute appearance in a 2-1 loss to Brighton, a game that further demonstrated the unpredictable nature of Premier League football. The club’s only victory of the season, a narrow win over Fulham, saw De Ligt once again come off the bench. These early appearances have been an opportunity for him to begin acclimating to the league’s pace and physicality, but the team’s inconsistent results highlight the challenges that lie ahead.
Reflecting on these early setbacks, De Ligt acknowledged that it has been a tough start for the club. "Of course, it’s difficult that we’ve lost the last two matches, especially for a club like Manchester United," he admitted. Yet, his focus remains on the positives, particularly how much he is enjoying his time in Manchester. "But I think it’s important that I’m really enjoying it there as a person, that might be the most important thing. Hopefully, we can combine that with results in the coming weeks." His words emphasize the importance of personal happiness and comfort, factors that are often overlooked in the high-pressure world of professional football but can be critical to long-term success.
Beyond the football pitch, De Ligt has also been adjusting to life in a new country. For many players, such transitions can be as challenging as adapting to a new league, and De Ligt has been candid about the experience. "The country suits me better than I expected," he said, though he noted the less-than-ideal British weather and the fact that he is still living in a hotel. "The weather isn’t great, and I’m still staying in a hotel, but hopefully, I can move into my own house soon. That’s when things will really start." Moving into a permanent home will likely help him feel more settled, both mentally and physically, allowing him to focus even more on his performances for United.
A key aspect of De Ligt’s comfort in Manchester has been his relationship with Erik ten Hag, his former coach at Ajax. Ten Hag’s arrival at Manchester United has brought a sense of familiarity and trust for De Ligt, which has undoubtedly smoothed his transition to the club. "The former Ajax player enjoys working with Ten Hag: 'Because he knows what I can do,'" De Ligt said. This familiarity allows for a level of confidence and understanding on the pitch that is crucial in the early stages of a new player-coach relationship.
Nevertheless, De Ligt is keen to stress that his decision to join United was not solely based on reuniting with his former manager. "But even under Thomas Tuchel (at Bayern Munich), I played regularly towards the end, just like at a certain point under Julian Nagelsmann. The coach is important, but it’s more about the challenge I saw in the Premier League, the toughest league in the world. I’m here to grow in a team that also needs to grow. I see that as a really great challenge." These remarks reflect De Ligt’s ambition and hunger for personal development, as well as his recognition of Manchester United’s current transitional phase.
For De Ligt, the Premier League represents not just a new chapter in his career, but the ultimate test for a player of his caliber. Widely regarded as the most competitive and physically demanding league in the world, it provides a stage where the best players are constantly pushed to their limits. De Ligt’s willingness to embrace this challenge is a testament to his mindset as a player who thrives on competition and self-improvement. His desire to grow within a team that is also rebuilding adds a layer of complexity to his journey at Manchester United, as both he and the club work towards achieving their goals.
In the coming weeks, as Manchester United seeks to find consistency on the pitch, De Ligt’s role will be crucial. His ability to integrate quickly, both as a player and as a person, will be key to the team’s success. At just 25 years old, De Ligt still has plenty of time to make a lasting impact at Old Trafford, and his early performances suggest that he is more than capable of doing so. With the support of Ten Hag and the Manchester United faithful, De Ligt is poised to become a central figure in the club’s push to regain its status as a dominant force in English football. For now, though, he remains focused on enjoying the experience, both on and off the field, as he navigates this new chapter in his career.
Updated: 12:19, 10 Sep 2024
