Matthijs de Ligt Reveals Truth About Playing for Europe's Giants and Working with Ruben Amorim

‎Matthijs de Ligt has offered insight into his relationship with Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, describing their communication as “direct and honest.” The Dutch defender compared the Portuguese coach’s straightforward approach to his own personality, highlighting mutual respect and open dialogue as key to their working relationship.

‎

‎Matthijs de Ligt opens up on his honest relationship with Ruben Amorim and the pressure of representing football’s biggest clubs.

‎Getty Images Sport 

‎

‎Amorim has faced scrutiny following United’s inconsistent start to the 2025–26 campaign, with the team securing only three wins in their opening eight matches across all competitions. The Red Devils’ victories over Burnley, Chelsea, and Sunderland have been overshadowed by defeats to Arsenal, Manchester City, Brentford, and League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.

‎

‎Despite public backing from United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Amorim acknowledged that the realities of football mean there are no guarantees of long-term security. Ahead of the crucial clash with Liverpool, the former Sporting CP coach emphasized the importance of focusing on each game, stating that success depends on the team’s immediate performances rather than promises of time.

‎

‎De Ligt, speaking with The Telegraph, reiterated his confidence in Amorim’s methods and expressed belief that the squad is progressing. “I have a good relationship with him because he’s quite direct and I am quite direct with him,” he said. “It’s about honesty and also in honesty you can say things that are sometimes not so good, and you accept that because it’s the only way. Communication and clarity are the most important things in a team.”

‎

‎Reflecting on the tactical evolution under Amorim, De Ligt noted the team’s flexibility in defense, explaining that even when playing a back four, United often build up with three defenders and adjust to situations during play.

‎

‎The Netherlands international also commented on the growing pressure surrounding his manager but insisted that such scrutiny affects everyone within the club. “I think every player here and the staff feels that the pressure is on us,” he said, acknowledging that the weight of expectation is shared throughout the squad.

‎

‎Having played for Ajax, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and now Manchester United, De Ligt understands what it means to perform for Europe’s most storied institutions. The 26-year-old defender explained that history brings added demands. “What also happens is if the history is big, the club also expects you to be as the history is,” he shared. “This is a bigger pressure than when you are at a club where maybe there’s less history and you have to create history.”

‎

‎De Ligt added that he embraces the expectations that come with such clubs, saying he has “never played in a club where they didn’t expect me to win.”

‎

‎As United prepare for their visit to Anfield, Amorim’s side will look to build on the 2-0 win over Sunderland, where goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko secured valuable points. Sesko’s improving form, with two goals in his last two league appearances, offers United a boost as they aim to continue their climb up the Premier League table.