Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has been told that defender Matthijs de Ligt can become a key player for the club and will continue to go from strength-to-strengthRuben Amorim.Ruben Amorim has been told that Matthijs de Ligt can become a key player.(Image: Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Image)

Harry Redknapp believes Matthijs de Ligt will go from strength to strength in Manchester United’s backline after an impressive display during the win over Chelsea. The Dutchman has been ever-present so far in the opening five Premier League games as Ruben Amorim continues to rely on him in their defensive ranks.

Although it hasn’t been the perfect start for United, Saturday’s hard-earned win over the Londoners saw them return to winning ways – something they will look to back up in this weekend’s trip to Brentford. In the early stages of the campaign, the Portuguese tactician faced criticism over the use of his system, but De Ligt has been the mainstay in the backline.

Amorim has remained firm both in press conferences and in matches regarding his squad, the hope will be to use the win over the reigning world champions as a springboard for success.

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And Redknapp, speaking to BetVictor, has tipped De Ligt to be a big player at Old Trafford.

“I know people will say they were up against 10 men, but Matthijs de Ligt had a good game against Chelsea,” he said.

“He’s beginning to look the leader of this backline, and he probably goes under the radar at times.

“It feels like he’s been around forever but he’s still only 26 and should only get better.”

The Holland international has also been earning plaudits from Premier League-winning defender Rio Ferdinand, who feels that the former Bayern Munich defender should be the first name on the teamsheet.

“Matthijs de Ligt has been magnificent this season, solid in all departments,” he said.

“I think he’s kinda put himself in place to be the first name on the sheet if we go by [Leny] Yoro being a sub at the weekend. You think that De Ligt now looks like the number one choice defender in the team form the manager’s point of view.

“I think he’s been so sound, and the fact that he’s keeping Harry Maguire out of the team says everything.”

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