Manchester United centre-back Matthijs de Ligt has said that Erik ten Hag was very unlucky to be dismissed from the managerial position.
The Netherlands international was reunited with Ten Hag during the summer following their successful period together in Amsterdam with Ajax.
De Ligt had a difficult outing against Liverpool before the first international break, but he has since been a consistent performer in the heart of the defence.
In an exclusive interview with De Telegraaf, De Ligt said that Ten Hag brought him to Manchester and the goal was to achieve success together with the 54-year-old.
He added that the Dutch tactician was not very lucky. United played well in several games under Ten Hag, but they were prone to squandering scoring chances.
De Ligt said: “He brought me to Manchester, the goal was to achieve success together with Erik. He has not been very lucky. We played well in many matches, but we did not use the chances we got. It is a shame that it has to end like this.”
Ten Hag was sacked after the 2-1 league loss to West Ham United on the road. In that game, United dominated the opening half and could have scored four goals.
They were guilty of squandering clear-cut scoring opportunities and eventually paid the price. Jarrod Bowen converted a controversial stoppage time penalty for the Hammers.
The defeat proved the end of Ten Hag’s tenure. De Ligt is now looking forward to working with Ruben Amorim and hopes he can take the club to the next level.
He added: “He did well at Sporting, hopefully he can also take us to the next level. Amorim is not my first coach and he will not be my last coach. I did not only move to Manchester United for Ten Hag.”
Amorim is expected to play with a three-man central defence. De Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are assured starters and they could be accompanied by summer signing Leny Yoro.
Yoro has yet to make his competitive debut after a foot surgery in pre-season. The wonderkid has started training and he could make the matchday squad following the break.
