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Matthijs de Ligt addresses 'difficult week' amid Virgil van Dijk criticism after Man Utd return

-Credit: (Image: X (Twitter) - TNT Sports)
-Credit: (Image: X (Twitter) - TNT Sports)


Matthijs de Ligt was delighted to bounce back as Manchester United beat Southampton after criticism from Netherlands teammate Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutch defender scored the opener and kept a clean sheet in Saturday's 3-0 defeat of the Saints, responding in perfect fashion to a disastrous display for the Netherlands against Germany on Tuesday.

De Ligt, starting alongside Van Dijk in the heart of the Oranje's defense, was at fault for both of Germany's goals in the 2-2 draw, playing a major part in denying his side all three points in their Nations League clash.

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The 25-year-old was even withdrawn at half-time following a nightmare first-half, and even came under fire from Van Dijk during his post-match interview.

The former Bayern Munich defender has since addressed his criticism from the Reds captain following a tough few days. Speaking to BT Sport following United's win against Southampton, De Ligt said: "There wasn't exactly a point to prove.

"Sometimes things don't go as you want them to but you have to look at the positive side. I was happy to play a game and a half because it is a long time since I played. For me, it is very important to get a rhythm and I could show what I can do."

Thankfully for De Ligt, he showed exactly why Man United paid $50million (£39m/€45m) for his services this summer with a man-of-the-match performance for Erik ten Hag's side against Southampton in the opening game of the day.

The Dutchman found space in the box to head home United's opener - and his first goal for the club - in the 35th minute, before going close again not long after but was denied by Aaron Ramsdale in the Saints net before the break.

He couldn't manage the full game, having been withdrawn in the 87th minute, but it was a major improvement for the former Ajax and Juventus man on Tuesday's performance with his national side. Perhaps Van Dijk's comments in the week played their part.

The Liverpool man would have been hoping to put in his own impressive performance when the Reds took on Nottingham Forest at Anfield today, but could do nothing as Arne Slot's side fell to a shock 1-0 defeat.