I used to play in Premier League and I'm 20kg overweight - I'm still better than Man United star

Premier League cult hero David Wheater has criticised Matthijs de Ligt's performance for Manchester United against Porto, claiming he could outperform the Dutchman despite now being 20kg overweight. Wheater, a product of Middlesbrough's academy, boasts over 470 senior appearances across his career with clubs including Bolton Wanderers, Oldham Athletic and Darlington, last playing in England's top tier in 2012.

The former defender, who retired in September 2023 following a series of injuries, remains an avid football observer. He watched United's Europa League match at Estadio do Dragao on Thursday night, during which De Ligt was responsible for two of Porto's goals.

After failing to clear the ball and being beaten by Samu Omorodion at the near post, De Ligt struggled to handle Omorodion's movement for Porto's second goal. This led to United squandering a two-goal lead and trailing 3-2 before De Ligt and fellow centre-back Lisandro Martinez were substituted in the 79th minute.

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Although United managed to secure a 3-3 draw thanks to a late goal from Harry Maguire, it was De Ligt's subpar performance that drew Wheater's ire. During the second half of Thursday's match, Wheater tweeted: "I'm better than De Ligt at this very moment and I'm 20kg overweight and a dodgy ankle."

The debate is heating up over whether Manchester United should bench Matthijs de Ligt, with fans being urged to share their views. Former Premier League player Wheater isn't the only one criticising De Ligt's form; Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher also took a swipe at the defender's game after United's