New Manchester United signing Matthijs de Ligt says he has mixed feelings after the Netherlands’ 5-2 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA Nations League yesterday.
The result leaves the Oranje level on points with Germany at the top of group A, with the two due to meet on Tuesday in what should be an intriguing match.
While his United teammate Josh Zirkzee bagged a goal and assist last night, De Ligt’s defence shipped two goals, with the United man at least partially responsible for both.
The United centre back was caught out of position, playing Bosnian striker Ermedin Demirovic onside for the visitors’ first.
He was then caught ball-watching for the second, allowing former Man City striker Edin Dzeko to get in and slot the ball past Bart Verbruggen.
Asked his thoughts after the game, De Ligt admitted he could have done better.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“I am happy with my move to Manchester United. Also because I stay in the picture. The Premier League has more viewers, the Bundesliga lesser.”
– De Ligt: “I am happy with my move to Manchester United. Also because I stay in the picture. The Premier League has more viewers, the Bundesliga lesser.” pic.twitter.com/WYPeA6mo6i
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 (@TheEuropeanLad) September 7, 2024
Head coach Ronaldo Koeman also conceded that De Ligt could have done better.
“He himself realises that he was in the wrong position. This should not happen, but mistakes are part of football. I think it is unfair to make a big deal out of it,” he said (via The Mirror).
Having had virtually no pre-season, it is understandable that the 25 year old is a little rusty, despite his start for United against Liverpool last weekend.
He arguably acquitted himself better in that game despite the heavy loss, winning 100% of his ground duels and registering a passing accuracy of 89%.
With a 6.1 and 6.3 rating from Sofascore over the two games, however, De Ligt will be looking for a big improvement against Germany on Tuesday and against Southampton on Saturday, should he be selected for those games.
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