Manchester United defender Mathijs de Ligt has insisted he now ignores all criticism, after learning what’s good for him and his body.
Soccer News cover comments from the centre-back today, given in an interview with NOS. He’s currently on a high after a strong start to the season with Manchester United.
His form has earned him a return to the Netherlands national side for this international break. The tone about the centre-back has changed thanks to his form this season.
He had previously been criticised after failing to live up to the hype he built up at Ajax early in his career. One of his main critics has been Rafael van der Vaart.
The player turned pundit was very critical about the defender during the last World Cup in Qatar. He considered the defender too muscular. As is often the case, those comments went viral. They came at a period when De Ligt was struggling to establish himself at Bayern Munich.
He joined the German champions that summer after struggling at Juventus. Now he’s back on tack at Manchester United. And he admits he’s learned key lessons, like ignoring criticism.
“I’m actually doing more strength training again,” he said.
“Just like I used to. So, I don’t pay attention to that kind of criticism anymore. Although I did a few years ago. I’ve been through a lot and now know what’s good for me. I won’t deviate from that anytime soon.”
De Ligt also spoke about what a good period he’s going through with Manchester United, perhaps the best form of his career.
