Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Arsenal, FA Cup, Manchester United, Fan Reactions
Josh Lawless
Manchester United fans think the entire football world owes one of their players an apology after an outstanding performance against Arsenal.
The Red Devils travelled to the Emirates Stadium to play Arsenal in the FA Cup third round and went 1-0 up courtesy of a superb finish from Bruno Fernandes.
But Diogo Dalot was sent off for a second yellow card offence when he mistimed a challenge on Mikel Merino and moments later Arsenal levelled with a deflected strike from Gabriel Magalhaes.
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With 10 men for just over an hour with extra time included, United had to put in a serious shift defensively and under-fire goalkeeper Altay Bayindir did his bit with a fine penalty save to deny Martin Odegaard after Kai Havertz won a penalty in controversial fashion.
But United's top performer was at the heart of their backline. Summer signing Matthijs de Ligt has had his fair share of difficult moments since joining from Bayern Munich but he produced his best display in a United shirt in North London on Sunday.
De Ligt was dominant in Ruben Amorim's back three and his game was typified by an incredible piece of defending which denied Leandro Trossard a certain tap-in.
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The Dutchman even celebrated the clearance like it was a goal after producing heroics when it mattered.
And on X, formerly known as Twitter plenty of supporters were forced to change their tune on the former Ajax and Juventus star.
One said: "Matthijs de Ligt has put one of the best CB performances I’ve ever seen….Phenomenal."
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Another commented: "Insane from De Ligt. What a moment to keep his head
A third wrote: "De Ligt has been immense today, the whole back 3 have been unbelievable."
A fourth said: "Matthijs De Ligt is a monster."
A fifth added: "One stinker is not changing my mind on De Ligt what a player."
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A final user posted: "I really like De Ligt I can’t lie, I think he’s been excellent for us since he signed this summer."
De Ligt's imperious performance helped United take the tie to penalties, where the visitors prevailed 5-3 on spot-kicks after Joshua Zirkzee put away the winning penalty after Havertz missed.