Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has backed Matthijs de Ligt to have a strong season under the guidance of Ruben Amorim.

The Dutchman was signed by Amorim’s predecessor, Erik ten Hag, who had also worked with the player at Ajax. However, Brown thinks that de Ligt will be instrumental to the current head coach’s plans this campaign:

“He’s more like me than I would have thought. I like him. First of all: his physique. He’s strong. He doesn’t give up.”

“He’s a good last-ditch defender with sliding tackles and things like that. He wants to win. I think De Ligt will be a priority (for Amorim).”

De Ligt started strongly against Arsenal

There was plenty of debate among supporters as to who would start the season in the centre of the back three. We got our answer last Sunday when Amorim selected de Ligt ahead of Harry Maguire.

The 26-year-old did not let his manager down, getting the better of Viktor Gyokeres for the most part on the Swede’s debut for the Gunners.

Of course, it is only one game, but if de Ligt can stay fit, it looks like he could be given an extended run in the starting lineup.

Man United’s next opponents will present another stern challenge

Fulham have two strong centre-forwards in Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz and neither will shy away from a physical battle.

As Brown points out, it is something that de Ligt relishes, and if the Red Devils are to get the three points at Craven Cottage this weekend, the Netherlands international will have a key role to play.

Of course, it goes without saying that United will have to resolve their keeper situation too, or de Ligt’s efforts could be undone as they were against Arsenal.

Read more about the Manchester United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here