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Matthijs de Ligt is struggling for form with Manchester United because he has “become a little too heavy”, according to the club’s former coach Rene Meulensteen. De Ligt has started both of United’s Premier League games this season and his form has concerned Meulensteen.

The Dutchman is currently Ruben Amorim’s preferred player to start in the middle of United’s back three, with Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw on either side. Amorim has left Harry Maguire out of the starting line-up for the 1-0 defeat by Arsenal and the 1-1 draw with Fulham.

De Ligt joined United from Bayern Munich in a deal worth £38.6million last summer and has made 44 appearances for the club so far. The 26-year-old played at the highest level for Ajax, Juventus and Bayern before arriving at Old Trafford, but Meulensteen, who was Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant for six years at United, has spotted something that may be holding him back.

“Matthijs de Ligt's form is a concern because consistent performances and leadership are not guaranteed week in, week out,” he told CoinPoker. “He had a significant number of injuries last year and wasn't always a first-choice player for Ruben Amorim.

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“When he first emerged at Ajax, he was a strong athlete, but I believe he has become a little too heavy over time, which hasn't always benefited his game, despite his naturally strong build. This will be a critical season for him.

“It will be interesting to see what formation Amorim implements at Manchester United, given the number of centre-back options. They have so many central defenders to choose from. Consistency is key, especially in the backline to create stability. Players need to understand each other's movements and react accordingly.

“Injuries sometimes necessitate chopping and changing, this is definitely a critical season for him. He's only 26, I thought he was older given all the clubs he's played for. You'd expect him to be the next consistent centre-back for the next four years, easily. We'll see what happens.”

United took the lead against Fulham after Yoro’s header from a corner hit Rodrigo Muniz and went in. But they couldn’t hold onto their lead for long as Emile Smith Rowe ghosted into the penalty area to convert past Altay Bayindir 15 minutes later.

De Ligt has a good relationship with Amorim and is convinced that the ex-Sporting Lisbon coach will turn things around at United. “I've experienced many managers and he's one of the most easy to talk to as a player,” he said earlier in the summer.

“He's really into details. Before signing new players, first he's looking at the culture, what needs to change and what can be improved to become a better football club. From next season we will see more of that.

“I think he wants to build a team of players who are together, fighting for each other and making the most out of what they have. Maybe before, you had the best players, but you're not a team.”

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