Matthijs de Ligt has made a significant stride in his Manchester United career by scoring his first goal for the club in a recent match against Southampton. The 25-year-old joined United this summer as part of a £60 million double deal alongside Noussair Mazraoui, reuniting with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.
His performance not only showcased his ability to contribute offensively but also marked an important moment in silencing recent criticism from fellow Dutch international Virgil van Dijk.
A Strong Response to Criticism
De Ligt’s scoring debut comes on the heels of a challenging international break where Van Dijk publicly criticized him for an error that led to a goal during a Nations League match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In that game, the Netherlands emerged victorious with a scoreline of 5-2, but De Ligt’s slip-up and subsequent substitution at halftime raised eyebrows. Van Dijk emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes at the highest level, stating, “You have to learn from this. It was one moment, but at the highest level, you will get punished for it.”
However, De Ligt quickly turned the page on this critique by putting in a solid performance against Southampton. His goal opened the scoring for United, setting the tone for a match that ultimately saw the Red Devils secure a 3-0 victory, thanks to further contributions from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
Celebrating Team Success
Following the match, De Ligt took to Instagram to express his satisfaction with the team’s performance. He posted two images from the game along with a caption that read: “Great fight from the team today and a deserved three points. Carabao Cup next.” His post garnered nearly 500,000 likes, and the comments section was filled with support from his teammates.
Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and fellow Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee were quick to applaud De Ligt’s efforts. Fernandes enthusiastically posted, “Let’s go!” while Mainoo added a pair of fire emojis. Amad Diallo chimed in with a phrase in Italian, “che giocatore,” meaning “what a player,” reflecting the admiration felt within the squad. Mason Mount also praised De Ligt, saying, “Love it brother!”
The Importance of Support
The positive reinforcement from his teammates underscores the camaraderie within the Manchester United squad, which is vital for any player’s confidence, especially after facing criticism. De Ligt’s strong response to Van Dijk’s remarks demonstrates not only his resilience but also the collective mentality of the team under Ten Hag’s management.
As De Ligt continues to adapt to life at Manchester United, his goal against Southampton serves as a reminder of his potential and talent. The upcoming Carabao Cup fixtures will offer him further opportunities to showcase his abilities and reinforce his position in the starting lineup. With the support of his teammates and the guidance of Ten Hag, De Ligt is well-positioned to make a significant impact at Old Trafford.
This latest performance could mark the beginning of a strong run for De Ligt and help him shake off any lingering doubts about his capabilities. In the competitive atmosphere of the Premier League, each match provides a chance for players to prove themselves, and De Ligt seems eager to make his mark.
The reaction of Manchester United’s players to De Ligt’s performance against Southampton illustrates the importance of unity and support within a squad, especially after a player faces external criticism.
As he continues to find his footing in the team, De Ligt’s first goal may well serve as a catalyst for a successful season ahead, both for him individually and for Manchester United as a whole. With a commitment to improvement and a supportive team environment, De Ligt has the potential to become a pivotal figure in United’s quest for success this season.