A self-proclaimed ‘overweight’ ex-footballer who used to play in the Premier League has suggested he’s currently better than Manchester United star Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch defender made up part of INEOS’ summer revamp, but his start to life with the Red Devils so far hasn’t gone to plan.
Joining as part of a double transfer swoop from Bayern Munich with Noussair Mazraoui, United paid a combined total of £60million for the pair, which at the time was being touted as somewhat of a steal.
De Ligt on his own was valued at around £46m by Transfermarkt, but after just two months of the campaign, it’s starting to become clear why German giants Bayern might’ve wanted rid.
The centre-back was given the runaround, not for the first time this season, during United’s latest calamitous performance away to Porto in the Europa League.
Bullied by the Porto attack for all three of the Portuguese outfit’s goals in the 3-3 draw, De Ligt didn’t enjoy the finest of nights at the heart of United’s defence, with the 25-year-old blasted for his performance.
Leading the criticism online was former Premier League ace David Wheater, who took to social media to claim he’d do a better job for United right now than De Ligt, despite being 20kg overweight.
Posting on X, the ex-Bolton Wanderers and Middlesbrough star commented: “I’m better than de ligt at this very moment and Im 20kg overweight and a dodgy ankle.”
In the end, De Ligt was hauled off, alongside Martinez, midway through the second half, with one of Erik ten Hag’s substitutes, Harry Maguire, netting the late equaliser for 10-man United.
Ten Hag put on a defiant showing post-match though, insisting if he’s given time, United will still be able to come good this season.
Speaking to TNT Sports, the ex-Ajax chief said: “We started the game very good, dominated. We scored two goals but then lost control.
“The start was good, the middle part was not good, and then the end was very good. We come back after 3-2. The team is willing, [it has] strong character. The middle part was not good.
“We need to be better on the ball and keep switching. In the half-spaces we had players, so use them.
“We had three clean sheets not long ago so we can defend very good but we have to go back to those habits. Only then can you win games.”
With barely any room for another slip-up, the under-pressure Ten Hag will be hoping for a much better performance when United take on Aston Villa this weekend.
