'Different quality': Ten Hag drops huge hint struggling £42m United star will start vs Southampton - View
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has backed Matthijs de Ligt following his struggles with the Netherlands during the international break.
The Dutchman joined the Red Devils from Bayern Munich last month, and he has already made three Premier League appearances for the club.
The 25-year-old also started both games for his country in the Nations League but was unconvincing. He made errors leading to goals in those outings. Despite this, Ten Hag has backed Ten Hag to come good.
He said: “I know Matthijs, he’s a great personality, he has character. He will overcome this and he will bounce back in that situation, in the Dutch squad.
“Definitely, it’s not in his club situation, so I’m not afraid for this situation. I know his qualities, I know his personality and I know he will fight back.
“He had a very difficult pre-season because he didn’t play games. The only game he really played from the start, the only start he had, was the last game against Liverpool.
“Without this, he had to go in starts for the Dutch squad, so, of course, he’s not in a rhythm yet. He’s not up to full speed, but once he’s up to full speed, you will see a different quality when he’s in his rhythm.”
Ten Hag drops huge selection hint over De Ligt
De Ligt had a good opening 30 minutes against Liverpool at Old Trafford, but he could not sustain the performance and was substituted in the second half.
The £42 million signing had two forgettable outings for his country during the international break, but Ten Hag has hinted that he won’t be dropped.
The manager has clearly indicated that De Ligt’s international displays won’t have any impact on his club selection.
On that basis, De Ligt is expected to line up alongside Lisandro Martinez in the heart of the defence at St Mary’s.
United are the favourites to beat Southampton, who have looked toothless in attack, but they can’t take things for granted based on recent meetings.
Three of the last four encounters between the clubs have ended in stalemates. The Red Devils need a quick start with a goal to put themselves in the ascendancy.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.