Mental fortitude is perhaps the most valuable quality for a Manchester United player, and following a highly-publicised international break, Matthijs de Ligt will require an abundance of it.
The talented Dutch defender arrived at Old Trafford in August following a well-documented summer pursuit by Erik ten Hag.
Having enjoyed cameo appearances against Fulham and Brighton, the 25-year-old received his first start in a forgettable 3-0 home defeat against Liverpool before linking up with the Netherlands for Nations League duty.
A challenging start to life in the North West has not eased following a pair of questionable outings for Oranje, with Ronald Koeman publicly addressing his defensive woes.
Given the pressing nature of matters in Manchester, Ten Hag could have done without this additional media angle, with the United chief eager to establish a settled back four as he strides for momentum in the Premier League.
Brighter days are coming
With his side trailing 2-1 to Germany at the break, Koeman admitted that he substituted the defender to “protect” him.
The Dutch were in control against the Germans in Group A when a careless De Ligt pass led to Deniz Undav levelling proceedings.
Unfortunately, this came just three days after he endured a forgettable evening in a 5-2 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina – with several mistakes during a 90-minute outing.
“Of course, I would rather have kept [Matthijs de Ligt] on the pitch,” Koeman told Dutch broadcaster NOS.
“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, I protected him by taking him off.”
Inevitably, the media spotlight shines ever brighter on a member of the United panel, with the experienced Leiderdorp man one of the hottest topics during the international break.
But, in reality, perspective needs to be applied – there is no sense in casually forgetting this because De Ligt is a Manchester United player.
The centre-back played no part in Euro 2024 and started his first fixture since June 6 against the Merseysiders last week.
Match sharpness and the momentum built through confidence and regular playing time are absent – these things take time, and rustiness applies to all footballers.
While a painful experience for his beloved flying Dutchmen may jeopardise an immediate recall, his place at the heart of Ten Hag’s defence awaits his return.
A trip to Southampton for an early Saturday kick-off is now the priority, with supporters eager to get behind a potentially imperious partnership alongside Lisandro Martinez.
Make no mistake, the inevitable backlash from mainstream media will scratch and claw at 135 minutes of football, but it does not dilute the talent of this brilliant young defender.
It is up to the masses of worldwide Reds to get behind their man and aid in his upcoming battles on and off the field.
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