Manchester United continue to build momentum under Ruben Amorim after beating Leicester City 3-0 away from home on Sunday.
Ruben Amorim has every reason to feel encouraged by Manchester United’s progress.
United drew with Arsenal last weekend and certainly could have beaten the Gunners on another day.
Amorim then watched on as United beat Real Sociedad 4-1 in the Europa League, advancing to the last eight.
Sunday brought another encouraging result as United beat Leicester City 3-0 on the road.
Rasmus Hojlund’s goal drought is finally over after he opened the scoring before Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes sealed the win.
Ruben Amorim on Matthijs de Ligt
United have blown hot and cold under Amorim but the last three games have brought some positivity.
Confidence appears to be returning to the United squad and Amorim has now paid tribute to Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch defender featured on the right of United’s back three against Leicester, just as he did against Arsenal.
Some questioned whether De Ligt could really play that role, suggesting that he is better suited to playing in the middle of Amorim’s back three.
De Ligt pulled off one incredible block to deny Facundo Buonanotte what appeared to be a nailed-on goal.
Speaking to MUTV after the final whistle on Sunday, Amorim suggested that De LIgt is in simply ‘incredible’ form right now.
Amorim added that De Ligt doesn’t play too many minutes for the Netherlands during the international break as he wants him fresh for United action.
“I think the last three weeks, Matthijs is doing incredible things,” said Amorim.
“I hope he doesn’t play a lot of games [for the national team] but plays a little bit, because he’s doing amazing,” he added.
De Ligt helping hold United defence together
Amorim is right to offer praise towards De Ligt with the 25-year-old really stepping up right now.
Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro are all out injured right now whilst Victor Lindelof is playing having barely featured this season.
Ayden Heaven now has an injury too and there is increased onus on De Ligt to be the leader of this back line.
Reports suggest that United didn’t really want De Ligt and that it was Erik ten Hag who drove his arrival.
The pair worked together at Ajax, so that may add up to some extent, but De Ligt is stepping up to prove his worth on a consistent basis – and long may that continue.