Matthijs de Ligt has given his backing to Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim after the Portuguese coach came under intense scrutiny following a miserable start to the season.
Pressure on Amorim eased slightly on Saturday as United claimed their first win of the campaign — a dramatic 3-2 victory over Burnley at Old Trafford sealed by Bruno Fernandes’ 97th-minute penalty. But the triumph followed a humiliating EFL Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby in midweek, which left Amorim fighting to justify his position.
De Ligt insists the squad remains united behind their head coach and admitted the players must take accountability for their poor performances so far.
De Ligt: “It’s Not the Manager’s Fault”
The Dutch international made his stance clear when asked if the dressing room wanted Amorim to stay:
“Yeah, of course. I mean, as a player, you’re responsible for the results. They always speak about the manager, obviously, but I think as players we also looked each other in the eye after Grimsby and said to each other, ‘Guys, the performance of this week is not acceptable’. It will be really bad to say that it’s the manager’s fault. It’s mostly us and we know that.” — Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt added that Saturday’s stoppage-time win could be a turning point:
“Obviously we still stand behind him, and he stands behind us. The result today makes that feeling even more.”
United’s Rocky Start
Saturday’s win was United’s first in all competitions this season. It followed a 1-1 draw with Fulham on the opening weekend, a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, and the shock Grimsby exit on penalties.
The late drama at Burnley bought Amorim breathing space, but United’s upcoming fixtures are brutal: a Manchester derby away to City followed by a home clash against Chelsea after the international break.
Analyst Verdict – John William
FootballPlace analyst John William says De Ligt’s public defence is significant:
“When senior figures like De Ligt speak out, it’s usually to stabilise the squad. Amorim has had a nightmare start, but you can tell the players are trying to shield him. The fact they turned Burnley away into a win shows the fight is still there.”
He added: “The next two matches will define whether Amorim can turn this around. Back-to-back games against City and Chelsea are as tough as it gets. If United lose both, even the players’ backing may not be enough to save him.”
Key Insights
- Bruno Fernandes scored a 97th-minute penalty as United beat Burnley 3-2.
- Matthijs de Ligt: “It’s not the manager’s fault. It’s on us players.”
- United had been humiliated by Grimsby in the EFL Cup days earlier.
- Amorim still under pressure with City and Chelsea up next.
- First win of the season relieves short-term tension at Old Trafford.
What’s Next?
United now regroup during the international break before two defining fixtures. A trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City is followed by a crunch home showdown against Chelsea at Old Trafford.
For Amorim, results in those matches could determine whether United’s hierarchy keep faith in his project or make a ruthless early-season change.
Should Manchester United keep faith in Ruben Amorim, or are De Ligt’s words only buying him time?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *