Man Utd ‘Obscene Amount’ Spend on Star Now ‘Creating Problems for the Team’

Martin Keown believes Manchester United spent an “obscene” amount to sign Matthijs de Ligt, who he feels is now “creating issues for the team.”

The Dutch defender joined the Red Devils in the summer from Bayern Munich, reuniting with Erik ten Hag, who had worked with him during his breakout years at Ajax. When De Ligt emerged in Amsterdam, Europe’s top clubs were eager to secure his services. Since leaving his homeland, De Ligt has played for Juventus, Bayern, and now Manchester United. However, he has arguably never reached the heights many expected, and now finds himself part of a United defense struggling to keep clean sheets.

“I look at De Ligt, and the amount of money they spent on him is almost obscene for a centre-back,” said Keown. “He plays like a robot at times. There are moments when he could clear the ball, but instead, he puts it out for a corner, creating more issues for the team. Ruben Amorim needs to instill more confidence in him, but I’m not seeing any of that.”

De Ligt has already experienced a managerial change following Ten Hag’s sacking but has largely remained a fixture in the team. However, United’s defense continues to be vulnerable, with Tottenham the latest team to exploit it on Sunday.

Now operating with three central defenders, United have a number of options in the backline, including Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, and Lisandro Martinez when all are fit. The club initially spent £42.9 million to bring De Ligt to Old Trafford, but Keown has criticized his defending, suggesting that many of his decisions are simply adding pressure to the team. United legend Paul Scholes had raised concerns in the summer, noting that De Ligt might not be any better than the defenders already at the club, and Bayern’s willingness to let him go should have raised alarms.