Juventus and Dutch national team defender Matthijs de Ligt has backed his former manager Erik ten Hag to succeed at rebuilding Manchester United.
The pair worked with each other to great success at Ajax Amsterdam, winning the Dutch league and cup double in a year when they also made it to the Champions League semi-final.
Under ten Hag’s tutelage, De Ligt became the youngest captain in Ajax’s history.
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The defender played 55 matches in the 2018/19 campaign, missing just three games across the season. He was integral to Ten Hag's side.
Since moving away to Juventus in 2019 after that successful campaign, De Ligt has struggled at times to recreate the form which he showed under the Dutchman.
Similarly to ex-Ajax teammate Frenkie de Jong, who the defender rose through the academy with. De Jong has been linked with a move to United and the club have reportedly put an offer on the table for the midfielder.
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These players were the best versions of themselves under Ten Hag and De Ligt appreciates the manager despite leaving Ajax three years ago.
“He is someone who loves his job and loves to work." De Ligt explained when talking about his former manager. "He’s really into details and that makes him a really good trainer. He definitely improves players and wants to do everything to makes his team play better.
"He has a lot of qualities [to succeed]. We will have to see how he goes." He added when asked about Ten Hag's upcoming challenge at Manchester United.
According to previous reports, previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did not assume training duties, but delegated them to former assistants Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna.
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De Ligt’s glowing review about Ten Hag shows that he will have a more hands-on approach to coaching United next season, with finer attention to details.
The defenders additional comments about Ten Hag being able to improve players will also be music to the ears of United fans all around the world.
Last season, players like Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, and even talisman Bruno Fernandes were shadows of their former selves.
With Ten Hag’s arrival, it is hoped that he will bring the best out of them.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Matthijs De Ligt, Ajax