De Ligt hooked at half-time; Van Dijk sends message to Manchester United defender

If Matthijs de Ligt thought Euro 2024 was bad, the recent international break was worse for Manchester United’s summer signing.

The centre-back has hit the headlines for two questionable performances in Ronald Koeman’s side, including tonight’s 2-2 draw with Germany.

De Ligt was part of the Netherlands squad at the European Championship but didn’t play a single minute. He has hooked at half-time against Germany and replaced by Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke.

Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk was asked about De Ligt’s performance after the game.

“This is football,” Van Dijk said. “You have to learn from this. It was one moment but at this level you will get punished for it.”

• It happened to De Ligt on Saturday and tonight it happened again, how bad is this for him?

🗣️ – Virgil van Dijk: “This is football. You have to learn from this. It was one moment but at the highest level you will get punished for it.” pic.twitter.com/CAPblykeeQ

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) September 10, 2024

De Ligt will return to United before travelling to Southampton for Saturday’s early kick-off. He will be aiming to be part of a United side that is planning to get back to winning ways.

That means putting his international form behind him.

After being overlooked for much of the Euros, De Ligt would’ve hoped to play his way back into Koeman’s plans during this international. It hasn’t worked out that way but he can set the record straight by performing at the highest standard for United.

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