1 big error, 13x possession lost: Int'l manager reacts after forgettable display from 25yo United star

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman leaped to the defence of Manchester United centre-back Matthijs de Ligt following his error-prone performance against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

The Euro 2024 semi-finalists started their Nations League campaign with a 5-2 win over Bosnia at home. United striker Joshua Zirkzee was one of the stand-out performers with a goal and an assist.

However, De Ligt’s night was far from routine. The 25-year-old lost possession on 13 occasions and he was guilty of making an error which contributed to Edin Dzeko’s goal to make it 3-2.

Speaking after the game, Koeman said that it is unfair to make a big deal out of the goal. While De Ligt was out of position, he added that Xavi Simons should have defended better too.

He said (via Mirror): “Xavi Simons should have done better. He was marking their left midfielder and suddenly walked away from him. Of course, the centre-backs are positioning themselves wrong too.

“He himself [on De Ligt] realises that he was in the wrong position. This should not happen, but mistakes are part of football. I think it is unfair to make a big deal out of it.”

Meanwhile, De Ligt also acknowledged that he should have done better for the second goal. He admitted having doubts in the lead-up and should have cleared his lines.

De Ligt said: “I think you know how I feel. We won but then comes the individual part. I should have done better at their second goal, and I know that. I don’t really know what happened. I should have cleared the ball but I kept having doubts during the play.”

The Ajax graduate had a bright start to his international career, but he has been a regular unused substitute since the second half of 2022.

Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij were preferred over him during the European Championship this summer. De Ligt failed to play a single minute.

De Ligt got his chance last night with De Vrij’s absence from the squad due to fitness reasons.

He failed to capitalise on a big opportunity, but will be hoping to retain his starting role in Tuesday’s much-awaited contest against Germany at home.

Jurrien Timber and Lutsharel Geertruida are alternative options at Koeman’s disposal, should he decide to drop De Ligt from the starting line-up next week.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com