Erik ten Hag defends new Manchester United signing ahead of Southampton clash

Erik ten Hag is confident that Matthijs de Ligt will not let his challenging week on international duty affect his form for Manchester United.

The manager expressed his belief that De Ligt’s “personality and character” will help him overcome recent criticism.

De Ligt, who joined United for £38.5 million, made his first start for the club in their defeat to Liverpool.

However, his recent international performances were less than stellar.

The 25-year-old defender faced criticism after the Netherlands’ Nations League matches, where he was held responsible for goals conceded against Bosnia and Germany.

In the second game, De Ligt was substituted at half-time by Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke, with Ronald Koeman stating that he had “protected” De Ligt by withdrawing him.

“Of course, I would rather have kept Matthijs on the pitch,” Koeman said after the 2-2 draw with Germany.

“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 protected him by taking him off.”

De Ligt returned to Carrington on Wednesday, eager to add to the two appearances he has made so far for his new club.

Erik ten Hag has since mounted a robust defence of the player he appointed as Ajax captain at a young age.

Ten Hag played a crucial role in De Ligt’s development during their time in Amsterdam, but his moves to Juventus and Bayern Munich over the past five years haven’t fully panned out.

Despite recent struggles, Ten Hag remains confident that the central defender will demonstrate his quality at Old Trafford.

“I think he said it in reference to Dutch squad, not a club situation,” Ten Hag said of Koeman’s comments.

“I know Matt and he’s a great personality, his character, he will overcome this and will bounce back in this situation, [in the] Dutch squad.

“Definitely not his club situation. I’m not afraid for this situation, I know his qualities, I know his personality and I know he’ll fight back.

“The other thing is he had been a very difficult pre-season because he didn’t play games.

“Only game from the start was last game against Liverpool, without this he goes and starts for the Dutch squad and he’s not in the rhythm yet or up to full speed but when he is you will see his qualities and a different player.”

Read more: Pep Guardiola accuses Premier League rivals of holding bias amid Manchester City 115 charges case

Arne Slot hopes to replicate Jurgen Klopp’s special bond with Liverpool players

How Mikel Arteta knew within “10 seconds” he wanted to sign Raheem Sterling