“I Protected Him” – Man United Star Hooked Off at Half-Time After Poor International Performance | OneFootball

Matthijs De Ligt’s Protective Substitution by Ronald Koeman Shakes Manchester United and Netherlands Fans

During a riveting clash that ended in a 2-2 draw against Germany in the UEFA Nations League, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman made a decisive half-time change. Manchester United’s recent signing, Matthijs de Ligt, was substituted to shield him from further exposure after a challenging first half. This tactical switch saw Jan Paul van Hecke of Brighton step onto the pitch as de Ligt’s replacement.

De Ligt, who is just 25 years old, found himself unfortunately central to Germany’s comeback, contributing to both of their goals before the break. An errant pass allowed Deniz Undav to equalize, and a subsequent mishap facilitated Joshua Kimmich’s go-ahead goal. This series of events came just days after de Ligt faced criticism for defensive errors in the Netherlands’ previous match, a 5-2 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Koeman’s Protection Strategy

Addressing the media, Koeman expressed a reluctant necessity in his decision. “Of course I would rather have kept [Matthijs de Ligt] on the pitch,” the Netherlands boss told Dutch broadcaster NOS. He further elaborated, “It just looks like he is now in a period where all his mistakes are being punished. I gave him a new chance today but eventually I protected him by taking him off.”

Photo: IMAGO

This approach highlights a protective strategy by Koeman, emphasizing the psychological and tactical aspects of managing players under intense scrutiny. The coach had previously discussed de Ligt’s performance issues publicly, critiquing his marking during the game against Bosnia, particularly against veteran striker Edin Dzeko. “He did not get his footwork right. It was a bad individual moment for a defender. You have to learn from that, it is clear that these kinds of moments need to be improved,” Koeman reflected before the Germany game.

The Ripple Effect on Manchester United

De Ligt’s move to Manchester United from Bayern Munich was a significant transfer, clocking in at over £42 million, including add-ons. His integration into the United squad is closely watched, with expectations high given his price tag and potential. This substitution may raise eyebrows at Manchester United, where stability and performance in defence are currently under the microscope.

The Dutch defender’s adjustment to Premier League play and his role under United’s strategy will be crucial as the season progresses. Fans and pundits alike will be keen to observe how this protective step by Koeman might influence de Ligt’s confidence and performances both internationally and at the club level.

Competition and Injury Concerns

The Netherlands squad is brimming with Premier League talent, including Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Micky van der Ven, Jurrien Timber, Jan Paul van Hecke, and the injured Sven Botman, creating a competitive environment for starting positions. Notably, during the same match, Nathan Ake suffered a hamstring injury, adding to the team’s defensive worries and reshuffling Koeman’s options.

Matthijs de Ligt stands at a pivotal point in his career with both the Netherlands and Manchester United. His ability to learn from recent setbacks and adapt to the high expectations at Old Trafford will be crucial for his future. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on de Ligt to see if he can turn his fortunes around and live up to his substantial promise and price tag.