Erik ten Hag has expressed his support for Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt, stressing that he will be “a different player” once he improves his fitness.

De Ligt, who was signed from FC Bayern Munich in the summer, was criticized while playing for the Netherlands during the international break in September.

The 25-year-old was substituted at half-time in his team’s 2-2 draw with Germany in the Nations League. Coach Ronald Koeman said he was “in a phase where all his mistakes are being punished”.

Ahead of United’s Premier League away game at Southampton on Saturday, Ten Hag, who worked with De Ligt at Ajax, stressed that the lack of pre-season training has not had a positive effect on the centre-back.

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“I know Matthijs and he is a great personality. He will get through this and fight back for the Dutch team in this situation,” said Ten Hag. “It is definitely not his club’s situation. I am not afraid of this situation, I know his qualities, I know his personality and I know he will fight back.”

“He also had a very difficult pre-season because he didn’t play any games. His only game from the start was the last game against Liverpool. Without that game, he starts for the Dutch team and he’s not yet in rhythm or at full speed. But when he is, you’ll see his qualities and a different player.”

De Ligt joined United for €45 million (£38.5 million, $49.5 million), plus €5 million (£4.3 million, $5.5 million) in add-ons.

He made his debut as a substitute in United’s 1-0 win over Fulham and has since featured in the club’s two defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool.

(Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)