In a stunning and exclusive revelation, Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt has launched a fierce defence of beleaguered Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, squarely placing the blame for the club's embarrassing EFL Trophy exit at the feet of the players themselves.
De Ligt's Dressing Room Insight: 'The Players Are Fully Behind Him'
The Dutch international, speaking with remarkable candour, insisted that the United squad remains unequivocally committed to their manager despite the humiliating 4-0 defeat to League Two minnows Grimsby Town. "The players are fully behind him," de Ligt stated emphatically, dismissing any notion of a fractured relationship between the dressing room and the technical area.
This public vote of confidence from a player of de Ligt's calibre comes at a critical juncture for ten Hag, whose position has come under intense scrutiny following a string of disappointing results. The nature of the defeat to Grimsby, a team four divisions below United in the football pyramid, had sparked widespread criticism and calls for change.
Taking Responsibility: 'This is Not the Manager's Fault'
In a refreshing take on modern football's blame culture, de Ligt was adamant that the responsibility for the performance lies solely with those on the pitch. "This is not the manager's fault," he asserted. "We have to look at ourselves as players. The tactics were there, the preparation was right, but we failed to execute on the pitch."
The defender's comments offer a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics at Old Trafford, suggesting a playing group that recognises its own shortcomings rather than seeking external scapegoats. This attitude, de Ligt implies, is what will ultimately drive the club's recovery from this dismal period.
The Road to Redemption: United's Path Forward
With pressure mounting from fans and pundits alike, de Ligt's intervention provides ten Hag with valuable public backing. The question now is whether the players can translate their professed support into improved performances on the pitch. The coming weeks will be crucial for United's season and potentially for ten Hag's future at the club.
As the Red Devils look to bounce back from this historic low, the unity highlighted by de Ligt could prove to be the foundation upon which their recovery is built. The football world will be watching closely to see if actions follow words at the Theatre of Dreams.
