‘leader’ – Erik ten Hag pleased by £38.5 million star performance in Southampton clash

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is happy with the impact of the new summer signing Matthijs de Ligt on the Red Devils. 

Saturday’s clash against Southampton was the Dutch centre-back’s second start as a Red Devil after substitute appearances against Fulham and Brighton.

The Red Devils needed to get a result to start turning around their form in the opening few games of the season.

De Ligt,25, also needed a good performance after a tough fortnight in the international break with media scrutiny on his performances for the Netherlands.

The Red Devils were under pressure in the first half an hour against Southampton with the former Bayern Munich star key to keeping the newly promoted side out.

It was clear that Andre Onana’s penalty save from Southampton striker Cameron Archer was a turning point in the game because shortly after De Ligt scored his first Manchester United goal to give the Red Devils the lead at Saint Mary’s.

It was a smart header by the new Red Devil with the Dutchman showing the threat of set-pieces he can bring to Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag praises Manchester United new boy Matthijs de Ligt

The Manchester United boss knows De Ligt very well after their successful time together at Ajax.

The 25-year-old was made captain under Ten Hag during their memorable Champions League run in 2019.

In his post-match press conference, the former Ajax manager was quick to praise his new signing.

Via the Premier League official website, Ten Hag said: “I’m very pleased of course, very happy for him as well. 

“I know he has some very good attributes as a leader, but he is also a very good finisher at set plays, and that is one of the reasons we bought him.”