'Not easy to handle' - Matthijs de Ligt makes honest admission about Manchester United 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.

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 games.

"I love the way English people see football – I love the way they see defending. Tough and aggressive. Still controlled – because obviously you can’t be too erratic. I try to be as good as possible and I feel like every game I’m improving. Hopefully the team can improve too – a lot more."

De Ligt was speaking after the win against Southampton and said: "Yeah I feel really good and today I felt I played a solid game. I feel really confident and fit. That’s something that