GARY NEVILLE pointed out a key weakness of Mattijs de Ligt ahead of Manchester United’s season opener.
The centre-back arrived at Old Trafford this week in a £42million transfer from Bayern Munich.
United paraded their new signings before their Prem opener vs Fulham[/caption]He was named on the bench for United’s season opener against Fulham and Neville shared his thoughts on the new arrival as he warmed ahead of the match, which United won 1-0.
The pundit praised De Ligt’s physicality but highlighted a key vulnerability that may affect how Erik ten Hag sets up his team.
Neville said on Sky Sports: “I thought they would sign quicker centre-backs but he is aggressive.
“He’s not the most mobile so Man Utd maybe won’t push up the pitch like Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have done.
“I thought Erik ten Hag might try and sign players that would allow them to really push up to the halfway line.
“I think we the midfield and the centre-backs that they’ve got with Maguire and Martinez still there and De Ligt they are going to end up playing a little deeper.
“It’s not a problem but it is very different to how most of the top teams play. I don’t think De Ligt’s going to change that but he will provide some physicality and some presence.”
United also strengthened their defensive ranks with the addition of Lenny Yoro this summer.
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The youngster impressed fans in his first appearance for the club in pre-season with a display of strength and speed to pull off a last-ditch tackle.
But he was forced off with injury in his next game against Arsenal and faces three months on the treatment table.