Is Matthijs de Ligt carrying extra weight on and off the pitch? A former Manchester United coach has raised eyebrows with his blunt assessment of the defender’s current form, suggesting he might be “a little too heavy.” Could this be the real reason behind his recent struggles, or is there more to the story at Old Trafford?

Matthijs de Ligt, the commanding Manchester United defender, finds his current form under intense scrutiny, with a former Red Devils coach directly attributing his struggles to a concerning lack of fitness. This candid assessment casts a shadow over the highly-rated Dutchman’s recent performances, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike regarding his physical condition and impact on the pitch.

Rene Meulensteen, a revered figure who served on Sir Alex Ferguson’s coaching staff for six years at Old Trafford, did not mince words when discussing de Ligt. Meulensteen explicitly stated that the central defender “has become a little too heavy,” suggesting this is a primary factor hampering his progress and consistent output in the demanding Premier League environment.

Despite featuring prominently in Manchester United’s early season fixtures, including the recent Carabao Cup defeat, de Ligt’s displays have failed to inspire confidence in some quarters. His presence on the field has been a topic of discussion, with experts like Meulensteen highlighting a noticeable dip in his characteristic authority and defensive prowess.

De Ligt arrived at Old Trafford last summer from Bayern Munich with a stellar reputation, having showcased his immense talent across top European clubs like Ajax and Juventus. His pedigree as a robust and intelligent defender was undeniable, making his current “concerning form” all the more perplexing for supporters hoping for a commanding presence in United’s backline.

Meulensteen’s analysis extends beyond mere weight, delving into the broader implications for Matthijs de Ligt’s performance. He underscored the importance of consistent performances and leadership, noting the defender’s significant injury history last year, which perhaps prevented him from consistently being a first-choice player. This combination of factors, according to the former coach, creates instability vital for a top-tier football performance.

The challenges for Manchester United, including the disappointing Carabao Cup exit, further amplify the need for a steadfast and fit defensive unit. With multiple central defensive options at the club, the pressure is on de Ligt to prove his mettle and demonstrate the consistent level of play expected from a player of his caliber, particularly in crucial fixtures.

Interestingly, Matthijs de Ligt himself maintains a strong working relationship with coach Ruben Amorim, expressing confidence in the Portuguese manager’s ability to steer the team towards success. He previously described Amorim as one of the “most easy to talk to” managers, indicating a positive communication channel exists despite the ongoing performance concerns.

Ultimately, this season is shaping up to be a critical juncture for Matthijs de Ligt at Manchester United. At 26, the defender is at an age where he should be entering his prime, and overcoming these fitness and form issues will be paramount to fulfilling his potential and silencing the critics, ensuring his legacy at Old Trafford is defined by success.