Football

Van der Vaart: "When De Ligt left Ajax, he has never been the same"

Former Real Madrid player Rafael van der Vaart has been critical of Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt's performance since his departure from Ajax.

The 25-year-old defender started for the Netherlands in their recent Nations League match against Germany, which ended in a 2-2 draw, but was substituted at halftime.

"I’m a big fan of De Ligt and his qualities but I also have to be honest. When he left Ajax, he has never been the same. I think his career is a little bit stuck. I was there yesterday [for the Netherlands vs Germany game] and he made mistakes again and when you’re not in a good flow, every fault results in a goal. Every mistake leads to a chance.

I think he was also a bit unlucky so I still believe in his quality so I hope with ten Hag he can get his confidence back because at the end of the day, it is all about confidence. He is still a young guy, playing for a big club.

He has shown he can recover. His first few games for Ajax and his first game for the national team he made a big mistake but recovered. Normally it is no problem. But now, it is already a long time he is not playing well. But quality-wise he is still a great defender.

I think de Ligt plays ahead of Maguire. As a new player you would expect him to start but at the end of the day you have to play well. If he continues like this Harry is going to take his chance again.

I have to say, Harry also played some really good games lately. I think Matthijs will feel the pressure. I think he [Maguire] still has a big role to play. I was someone who said some bad things about his quality because at the time it was too much money for a normal player.

‘He had some really bad games and made some big mistakes but mentally wise he has been really strong. He always came back strong last season, he has a really strong mind and I think he’s happy there. They [the staff] love him there so I think he will get his chances," van der Vaart told Metro.

On August 13, Manchester United announced the signing of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. Since joining the Red Devils, the defender has played three matches but has yet to make a notable impact.

The Dutchman's contract with the English club runs until the summer of 2029.