Several players returned to Manchester United after international duties, but for Matthijs de Ligt, the club would have felt like a safe haven.
After a forgettable international break littered with mistakes, the scrutiny was on Matthijs de Ligt but he showed elite mentality to bounce back in style.
He scored his first Manchester United goal, and was a commanding presence at the back in a game that reminded the world of his credentials.
This ability to bounce back from a difficult situation in such style bodes well for his future at a club as closely watched as United.
After the win, De Ligt sent fans a clear message, and another hero of the day, Amad, reacted in pure awe, matching the sentiment of many fans.
De Ligt’s message after the win
It’s always a good day for players and fans when United win, and even more so when the victory was sorely needed.
It wasn’t even a case of “deserved” or “dominant”, just three points were urgently required to put some semblance of direction after two losses in the first three games.
Therefore, it was a double cause to celebrate for De Ligt as not only did the team win, but he was a key driver of that victory.
After the game, De Ligt raved about his teammates and sent fans a clear message on Instagram.
He said: “Great fight from the team today and a deserved three points! Carabao Cup next!”
Amad reacted with three words that would probably echo the sentiment of many United fans after watching De Ligt, saying: “Che giocatore”, which translates to “What a player” in Italian.
Bruno Fernandes said, “Let’s go” with a clapping emoji while Mason Mount, who is nursing an injury, said, “Love it brother”.
Kobbie Mainoo reacted with two fire emojis while Lisandro Martinez used his nickname “Mata” to say. “Top Mata”. Zirkzee got carried away and replied with, “Hanguuuuh”!
A building block
Both De Ligt and Erik ten Hag were at pains to stress after the game that the Dutchman is still not at his best due to a lack of match rhythm.
De Ligt had to come off due to cramps in the second half and he said that it is after five months that he has played three games in a week.
As he gets more minutes in his legs and gets up to speed, United fans will be treated to an even better version of the defender.
That is an extremely positive sign for the club and the player because the current version is already proving to be a difference-maker.
Ten Hag has often talked about the process and the time it will take but often, the direction it was going seemed to be missing.
After this win, and the way in which it arrived, there finally seems to be a direction with promising debuts, signings performing and a way of playing clear.
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