Matthijs de Ligt could be the perfect replacement for Lisandro Martinez | OneFootball

Centre-back Matthijs de Ligt has been a mainstay in Manchester United’s defence since he arrived from Bayern Munich last summer.

He has featured in 32 games across all competitions, 27 of which have been as a starter, including the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday evening.

Due to the injury to Lisandro Martinez, manager Ruben Amorim deployed the right-footed defender as the left-sided centre-back in his three-man defence.

The 25-year-old had played mainly as the right centre-back before the fixture. Only against Everton and Ipswich Town did he play as the left-sided centre-back.

Although he was partly responsible for Tottenham’s goal, De Ligt was solid for most of the game despite being played in an unnatural role.

He nullified the threat of Spurs’ right-winger Dejan Kulusevski and right full-back Pedro Porro with the support of left wing-back Patrick Dorgu.

De Ligt was immaculate in one-on-one situations. He won all four of his ground duels and the three area duels he contested. No Spurs player dribbled past him.

He recorded four blocks in the game, more than fellow centre-backs Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazroui combined.

The Dutch defender also made seven clearances in the contest, more than the total tallied by Maguire and Mazroui.

He did well in possession, registering 91 percent passing accuracy, including completing two of the long passes he attempted.

The Dutch defender was comfortable bringing the ball out from the back, recording one successful cross.

With Martinez out for the season, Amorim should keep De Ligt at left centre-back, having shown against Spurs that he can be trusted in that position.

Stats from transfermarkt.com & sofascore.com.