Mark Goldbridge Blasts Backlash Against Matthijs de Ligt: "Wake Up Fast, United Fans!"
Manchester United fan and commentator Mark Goldbridge has hit out at the intense scrutiny surrounding Matthijs de Ligt’s error for the Netherlands, calling it a "disgrace" and urging United fans to "wake up fast" to the reality of the situation.
De Ligt was taken off at halftime in the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw with Germany on Tuesday, with the Manchester United defender struggling to make an impact on the game. The mistake was met with widespread criticism, with many calling for the 25-year-old to be dropped from the national team.
However, Goldbridge has come out in defense of De Ligt, suggesting that the backlash is unfair and unnecessary. "The scrutiny on De Ligt is off the scales! Don’t even see that Germany goal as a mistake tbh," he wrote on X. "United fans need to wake up fast to what this actually is. A determination from external forces to destroy a player before he’s even had a chance."
Goldbridge’s comments come as De Ligt faces increased pressure following his error. The Dutch defender joined Manchester United from Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window, signing a four-year deal worth £42.5 million.
Despite the setback, Goldbridge believes that De Ligt still has a vital role to play for the Red Devils. "Did it with Martinez, Rasmus, and now doing it again. If we’re going to let new signings be destroyed from day one we’ll never find our way back. Enough is Enough," he added.
De Ligt’s manager, Ronald Koeman, defended his decision to take the defender off at halftime, suggesting that he was trying to protect him from the intense pressure. "Of course I would rather have kept Matthijs de Ligt on the pitch. It just looks like he is now in a period where all his mistakes are being punished," he said.
Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates on the latest football news and opinions!