Former United player Jaap Stam, who worked with De Ligt at Ajax, shared his thoughts on the defender's struggles. Stam noted that De Ligt excelled at Ajax, showcasing strong and accurate performances, particularly against Arsenal. However, at Manchester United, the conditions for success are not as clear-cut, and the team's defense lacks confidence.
Stam praised De Ligt's maturity and intelligence but acknowledged that he sometimes misses the confidence and cohesion in the team's defense that he witnessed at Ajax. De Ligt's recent performances have been inconsistent, and Stam hopes that he will return to his former self by focusing on the basics of his game.
The Dutch defender was nominated for the club's Player of the Month award in August, but many believe he has struggled to adapt to the Premier League under multiple managers. Stam's comments suggest that De Ligt still has the potential to excel, but he needs to find his footing in the team's defense.