Worry at Man Utd as DISASTROUS De Ligt HAULED OFF at half time

Carlo Garganese

• 11 Sep 2024 02:30 CDT
• 4 min read

Matthijs de Ligt was hauled off at half time by Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman after another dismal performance in the 2-2 draw with Germany on Tuesday.

With Holland leading their UEFA Nations League game 1-0 in Amsterdam, the Man Utd defender’s terrible pass led to Germany equalising through Deniz Undav.

Germany then took the lead just before half time, and Koeman responded by taking De Ligt off. The game eventually ended 2-2.

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What did Koeman say?

"Of course I would rather have kept Matthijs de Ligt on the pitch,.” Koeman explained.

“It just looks like he is now in a period where all his mistakes are being punished. I gave him a new chance today, but eventually protected him by taking him off."

De Ligt’s latest horror performance will be a concern also for Man Utd fans as it came just days after a disasterclass in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Although Koeman’s side ran out 5-2 winners in that game, De Ligt was arguably at fault for both of the goals they conceded.

The Man Utd defender was certainly to blame for Edin Dzeko’s strike, with the former Manchester City forward able to finish after De Ligt failed to clear the ball inside the penalty area.

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Current ETV

Matthijs de Ligt

D (C)

Man Utd

Matthijs de Ligt

D (C)

Man Utd

€57M

ETV Range

€42.7M - €71.2M

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After that match, De Ligt admitted: “I think you know how I feel.. we won.. but then comes the individual part.. I should have done better at their second goal, and I know that.

“I don't really know what happened.. I should have cleared the ball but I kept having doubts during the play. It's just f****d.

“If this game is a missed opportunity for me? I don't know.. I just try to do my best.”

It is now expected that De Ligt will fall well down the pecking order for the Netherlands going forward.

De Ligt joined Man Utd this summer from Bayern Munich for an initial fee of €45 million, with a further €5m in potential add-ons.

The centre back struggled at his last two clubs at Bayern Munich and Juventus having been built up as a wonderkid when breaking out at Ajax under Erik ten Hag.

Man Utd fans will be hoping that his mistakes for the Netherlands are not a sign to come for what he will do at Old Trafford.