Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has voiced his support for manager Ruben Amorim’s direct style of communication, insisting it will benefit the club in the long run despite a difficult season.
Amorim, who arrived from Sporting in November, has not shied away from calling out his players and the club’s issues.
After United’s 3-1 home defeat to Brighton in January, he described the team as “probably the worst in Manchester United history.”
Following the Europa League final loss to Tottenham, he even said he would step down if it was in the club’s best interest.
On a recent post-season tour of Asia, Amorim labelled his players as “chokers” after a surprise defeat to ASEAN All-Stars in Malaysia. Those statements shocked some, but De Ligt says he appreciates them.
“I’m from Holland so I like it,” said De Ligt. “It gives me a feeling I can trust him and he can trust me.”
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United are suffering from their worst domestic season since 1973-74 and will miss out on European football next year.
Amorim’s record of just seven Premier League wins since taking over means he will start the new campaign under immense pressure.
Yet De Ligt believes Amorim’s culture-focused work will ultimately pay off.
He added: “He wants to build a team of players who are together, fighting for each other and making the most out of what they have.
“Maybe before, you had the best players, but you’re not a team.”
