Man Utd defender De Ligt has horror show for Netherlands after being at fault for two goals in Nations League opener
MATTHIJS DE LIGT endured torrid evening during the Netherlands’ Nations League opener.
The Manchester United defender was at fault for both Bosnia and Herzegovina’s goals in Eindhoven on Saturday night.
However, he was bailed out by his team-mates as they smashed five past their opponents in a dominant victory.
De Ligt’s club team-mate Joshua Zirkzee had opened the scoring before he was caught out for the visitors’ equaliser.
The centre-back’s poor positioning played Ermedin Demirovic onside before the forward slotted past Bart Verbruggen.
It was his error once again which allowed Edin Dzeko to reduce the deficit in the second half.
De Ligt allowed a cross into the penalty area to run across his body to Dzeko, who controlled before prodding the ball into the net.
Verbruggen could be seen berating the 25-year-old after the goal, which ultimately had no impact on the result.
Fans were quick to react to De Ligt’s horror show on social media, with one writing: “Who was De Ligt actually marking and running to?”
Another joked: “De Ligt masterclass,” with a series of crying laughing emojis.
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Meanwhile, a third supporter commented: “De Ligt looked lost, something went completely wrong here.”
De Ligt’s manager came to his defence after the match, though, as Ronald Koeman played down his mistakes.
Asked if he was concerned by his display, the Dutch boss said: “He himself realises that he was in the wrong position.
“This should not happen, but mistakes are part of football. I think it is unfair to make a big deal out of it.”
De Ligt made his 45th international appearance in the 5-2 win and will hope to add to his tally against Germany on Tuesday.
He is a recent arrival at Old Trafford after completing a £60million move to United from Bayern Munich in the summer.
The former Ajax man has since made three appearances, with his first start coming in the 3-0 loss to Liverpool before the international break.