Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag supported Matthew de Ligt following his difficulties with the Netherlands during the international break.
The Dutchman has since joined the Red Devils Bayern Munich last month and he has already made three Premier League appearances for the club.
The 25-year-old has also started both of his country’s Nations League games but has been convincing, making mistakes that led to goals in those outings.
Despite this, Ten Hag said De Ligt had a great personality and character.
The Dutch tactician added that the Ajax graduate will show a “different quality” on the pitch once he reaches full speed in the coming weeks.
He said: “I know Matthijs, he is a great personality, he has character. He will overcome this situation and he will bounce back in this situation, in the Dutch team. It is certainly not in his situation at the club, so I am not afraid of this situation.
“I know his qualities, I know his personality and I know he’s going to fight. He’s had a very difficult pre-season because he hasn’t played any games. The only game he’s really played since the beginning, the only game he’s had, was the last game against Liverpool.
“Without that, he would have been a starter for the Dutch team, so, of course, he is not yet in his rhythm, he is not yet at full speed, but, once he reaches it, you will see a different quality, when he is in his rhythm.”
Ten Hag suggests that there is a huge selection of products at De Ligt
De Ligt had a good first half against Liverpool at Old Trafford but was unable to maintain his performance and was substituted in the second half.
THE £42 million The signing made two forgettable appearances for his country during the international break but Ten Hag has hinted he will not be left out of the XI.
The manager made it clear that De Ligt’s international performances would have no impact on his club selection. He even went on to praise him.
We therefore fully expect De Ligt to side with Lisandro Martinez in the heart of the defense.
United will be favourites to beat Southampton, who have looked weak in attack, but they cannot take anything for granted judging by recent encounters.
Three of the last four meetings between the two clubs have ended in a draw. The Red Devils need a quick start with a goal to take the lead.
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