De Ligt: 'It's not always easy to handle the pressure'

MATTHIJS de Ligt has played for Ajax, Bayern Munich and Juventus - but he feels the pressure at Manchester United is bigger and it can be difficult for young players to handle.

- STEVEN RAILSTON

United completed the signing of De Ligt for €45million (£38.4m), with a potential further €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons, in August and the defender has faced scrutiny in his first season.

De Ligt has delivered some strong performances but there have also been some unconvincing moments.

Nonetheless, the 25-year-old is enjoying the challenge of representing United and he's continued to be a first choice centre-back following the appointment of Ruben Amorim.

"It's a really big club, an amazing club," said De Ligt. "It's a lot of pressure, I have to say.

"I've played for several big clubs and the pressure is always high. But the feeling you get here is that the pressure is maybe worldwide - the most I've experienced so far.

"It's not easy to handle that -particularly for young players.

"I've had some experience in other clubs so maybe in that sense it could be a little bit easier for me but I imagine that for other players it might be a little more difficult.

"But that's why it's so important we get the crowd behind us to get the confidence into the players and from that you can win.