Matthijs de Ligt says he changed one thing about himself at Man Utd, it's helped revive his career

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has had a sensational season under Ruben Amorim, and one change might have helped achieve this.

When Matthijs de Ligt was signed by Manchester United in 2024, there was a hope that he might finally fulfil his potential. After a hot and cold first season under Ruben Amorim, he has kicked on this campaign.

De Ligt has been living up to Franz Beckenbauer comparisons, with the Dutchman looking perfect at the back this season.

After a year of settling, Rio Ferdinand thinks De Ligt is now United’s best defender, and he has quickly become the first name on the teamsheet.

De Ligt always had this potential, but now he’s admitted the changes that may have helped him revive his career.

Matthijs de Ligt says he’s stopped being so critical over mistakes

United spent £38m on De Ligt, which now looks like an absolute bargain as he re-establishes himself as one of the best in the league.

The quality was always there, with De Ligt’s struggles with fitness and also confidence-wise, meaning he hadn’t reached his top level.

Speaking to United club media, De Ligt explained his attitude has changed, as he’s been less critical of himself.

More United News

“I’m a really big critic of myself, but I’ve become a little bit more soft because sometimes I was too critical and it didn’t help me much, so I’m now a little bit more balanced, I think.”

De Ligt softening his stance on his mistakes is clearly a positive, as in football, there is no point dwelling on bad moments, as that can often lead to more bad.

This season, De Ligt hasn’t been flawless, but any negative performance has been forgotten as he’s bounced back so well. By making this change, De Ligt has revived his career, and it wasn’t the only thing that has been different.

Matthijs de Ligt on why he has improved so much this season at Manchester United

De Ligt was signed with major question marks, but also a belief that if he found his potential, he could be a world beater.

TalkingPoints

How good is Matthijs de Ligt right now?

At the age of just 26, De Ligt can be one of the best in the world, and in his interview, he has admitted to further changes that have helped him to become his best version.

“Well, the first thing I think was really important is that I had a proper pre-season. I feel that for me and my body, a pre-season is always really important, and this season I had one.

“I think it was one of the first pre-seasons since five, six years that I didn’t have or a transfer or an injury or a Euros.

“The last time was probably my last season in Ajax, and it was actually one of my best seasons of my career. So I feel that’s a big thing that is really important until now.

“And I feel like mentally and physically I’m in a really good place. I feel quite confident. Obviously, the teammates and the manager helps a lot because they also give me this confidence.

“And I think I’m also used to the Premier League now, the pace, what also helps. I think overall these are the most important things that makes me to this level at the moment.”

Click here to read article