‘It’s f****d’: Man United star Matthijs De Ligt gives x-rated verdict on his own performance after nightmare display in the Netherlands’ win over Bosnia – as boss Ronald Koeman admits he made mistakes
- Matthijs de Ligt gave a sharp analysis of his performance for the Netherlands
- Defender made two errors as Ronald Koeman’s side won 5-2 in Eindhoven
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Matthijs de Ligt did not mince his words when he admitted that he was far from his best after a disappointing international period.
The Netherlands went into the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina as big favourites and immediately delivered on that promise when Man United teammate Joshua Zirkzee put the team ahead early on.
Ermedin Demirovic capitalised on a defensive error from United’s £43million summer signing to draw level, with Tijjani Reijnders restoring the Netherlands’ lead before half-time.
Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo extended their lead early in the second half, but De Ligt was again subbed off, allowing Edin Dzeko to pile on the pressure.
Although goals from Wout Weghorst and Xavi Simons secured victory in the Nations League match, De Ligt admitted after the match that he was frustrated with his own performance.
Matthijs de Ligt gave a brutally honest assessment of his performances during the international period
The Dutchman made two errors, with one particularly notable one allowing Edin Dzeko to score
But in the end, the Netherlands prevailed against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with De Ligt’s Man United team-mate Joshua Zirkzee scoring.
“I think you know how I feel about it. We won, but then comes the individual part,” he said.
‘I should have done better on their second goal, and I know that. I don’t really know what happened.. I should have cleared the ball, but I kept doubting during the game. It’s just f****d.’
‘Is this match a missed opportunity for me? I don’t know, I’m just trying to do my best.’
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman admitted that De Ligt has made mistakes, but stressed that it is important not to dwell on them in the future.
“He himself realises that he was in the wrong place,” said the former Everton manager.
‘This shouldn’t happen, but making mistakes is part of football. I think it’s unfair to make a big deal out of it.’
Although De Ligt was a key signing from Bayern Munich this summer, he only made a handful of appearances from the bench in his first two games for Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag favouring a defensive duo of Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.
Ronald Koeman admitted De Ligt had made a mistake but insisted on the need to move on
De Ligt has started just one game for Man United since his £43million move from Bayern Munich
The Dutchman experienced a true baptism of fire in his first Premier League starting role last weekend, when Liverpool won 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Shortly after receiving a yellow card in the second half, Ten Hag decided to replace his compatriot with Maguire, meaning De Ligt still has to play the full 90 minutes for United.