Ex-Manchester United talisman gives honest verdict on new £38.5 million Manchester United star

Former Manchester United star Andy Cole has given his verdict on Matthijs De Ligt’s start to life in a Manchester United shirt. 

Summer signing Matthijs de Ligt was re-united with the Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag this summer after the club agreed an initial £38.5 million deal with German giants Bayern Munich.

It has been a turbulent time for all of the new summer signings as they look to settle and adapt to life at Old Trafford.

The new Dutch Red Devil has shown varied form in the opening weeks as a Manchester United player, with the 25-year-old scoring in a man-of-the-match performance against Southampton.

However, the former Juventus star recently struggled against FC Porto and was dropped for last weekend’s visit to Villa Park to face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.

With uncertainty remaining around the manager’s future it is a difficult period for any new signings to settle.

Andy Cole backs Matthijs De Ligt to settle as a Manchester United player

Andy Cole has given his verdict on the former Ajax captain after recent criticism of Manchester United’s new Dutch star.

Despite recent struggles, the former Manchester United star belives De Ligt will come good when he builds up his confidence.

Speaking to Betfred Insights. Cole said: “Talking from my own experience, playing for Manchester United is playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world and expectation levels are so high.

“You’re expected to hit the ground running and if you don’t hit the ground running, then you’re deemed not good enough. It takes more time to adjust than a lot of people think it does. 

“In a couple of games he’s looked half-decent and in a couple of games he’s struggled. Sometimes when you’re playing in a team that’s not playing well, you’re going to find that inconsistency.

“He’s played for big clubs such as Ajax, Bayern Munich and Juventus, so he’s got the pedigree, but he, like every other player in that team, is waiting for everything to click and for that form as a collective to shine through.

“Once his confidence is in tip top condition, then we go from there.”