Rúben Amorim is very happy with how Matthijs de Ligt has been asserting himself lately as Manchester United’s defensive leader. Still, there is one aspect in the 26-year-old defender’s game where there is plenty of room for improvement, according to the Portuguese manager.
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Rúben Amorim prepares his Manchester United side for tonight’s 21:00 Premier League clash against Everton at Old Trafford, a match that arrives at a symbolic moment for the Portuguese coach.
It has been exactly one year since he first stood on the United touchline as Erik ten Hag’s successor, and the meeting with Everton serves as a timely benchmark for how far his project has come in twelve months.
When Amorim arrived, United were in the middle of one of their most turbulent periods in recent years. Performances were inconsistent, confidence was low and the dressing room lacked clear structure. His debut, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, reflected a team still searching for identity. Over the months that followed, the Red Devils would experience long stretches of poor form, criticism from the media and growing impatience among supporters who questioned whether his ideas were suited to the Premier League.
Throughout that difficult period, Amorim refused to abandon his 3-4-2-1 system. Many saw it as a risky choice, given the squad’s limitations, but the coach insisted that stability and tactical clarity would only emerge through consistency. While results often brought pressure, he repeatedly emphasised that short-term discomfort was necessary to build a long-term structure. Now, as United enter the Everton match unbeaten in five consecutive games, that patience appears to be paying off.
The improvement has not been dramatic, but it has been steady. United drew their last two matches, against Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, yet performances showed greater organisation and resilience. Amorim himself acknowledges that the progress is visible, even if far from complete. He has repeatedly stated that he wants United to be more dominant, more fluid and more capable of controlling matches for longer periods. Tonight’s game against Everton represents another opportunity to show those qualities in front of a demanding home crowd.
One of the key figures in this evolution has been Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch defender, now firmly established as a starter, has been central to bringing more stability to the back line. His return to form has also earned him a place back in the Netherlands national team, something few expected earlier in the season. Yet Amorim believes De Ligt still has an even higher level to reach, especially with the ball.
The coach often recalls the version of De Ligt that mesmerised Europe during his Ajax days. I remember him at Ajax; he controlled the tempo of matches and played with total confidence. He needs to regain that feeling, Amorim reflected when asked about the defender’s development. At the time, Amorim was still managing Casa Pia and Braga’s B team, but he remembers clearly how the young Dutchman stood out as one of the most promising talents in Europe.
Defensively, Amorim has no doubts at all. He praises De Ligt’s strength, intensity and ability to push the team forward, even pressing high into the opponent’s box when necessary. But the coach insists the defender has not yet reached his ceiling, especially in terms of building from the back. I know I push my players hard, but I genuinely think he can be much better.
De Ligt himself recently admitted that his improved form is the result of a change in mindset. Speaking to the club channel, he explained that he no longer plays with the fear of making mistakes, something that had held him back during a period filled with injuries. Now, after a full pre-season and with better physical condition, he feels adapted to the Premier League’s rhythm and intensity.
With his confidence restored, the Dutch international may be ready to take the final step Amorim expects from him. And with a challenging match against Everton tonight at Old Trafford, United will once again rely on his leadership at the back as they try to extend their unbeaten run and continue climbing the league table.
Updated: 01:28, 24 Nov 2025
