Matthijs de Ligt shares verdict on Ruben Amorim tactic that has sparked fierce debate | OneFootball

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has weighed in on a Ruben Amorim tactic that has divided the fanbase and sparked debate in the media since his appointment, the back-three.

United in good form

Currently on an unbeaten streak of five matches, United finally appear to have turned the corner under Amorim.

The Portuguese coach endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign after succeeding Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout in November last year. United finished in 15th place and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur at San Mames in Spain.

United started 2025/26 in patchy fashion and at one point, Amorim appeared to be at serious risk of losing his job. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe publicly declared his support for the 40-year-old and United have been on an upward trajectory since.

Amorim has come under pressure to modify his approach and switch to a system that favours the current crop of players at his disposal. There have been arguments that his favoured 3-4-3 doesn’t work at United, and it would be better to deploy a more traditional 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1.

The United head coach has consistently maintained that he will not compromise on his principles and if the team carries on this way, he will undoubtedly be proven right.

De Ligt has been crucial to United’s turnaround. His performances earned him a place back in the Netherlands squad and he played all 90 minutes as Oranje beat Lithuania to book their place in the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking after the final whistle, De Ligt revealed how he truly feels about Amorim’s system.

De Ligt speaks up

Asked whether he has a preferred defensive formation, De Ligt told Flashscore, “No, I don’t really have a preference.”

“We play with a five-man defence at Manchester United, but on paper, we defend with four.”

“It didn’t feel awkward today; it felt the same as always. I can play in both systems. I’m more experienced with a five-man defence now.”

“The more experience you have, the easier it gets.”

Asked about being back with the national team, De Ligt explained, “Whether it’s a comeback? Yeah, a bit. I wasn’t here last time, I haven’t started for a long time, so I’m delighted with today.”

“The season is going well so far. I’m not sure if you call it a comeback season, but I’m feeling well, and it’s going better with the club, and now I’m rewarded with a start, so that’s great.”

On the World Cup, De Ligt stressed the importance of being fit and quickly adapting to the conditions of the tournament.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social