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Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has leapt to the defence of Manchester United star Matthijs de Ligt after an error led to a goal while on international duty.
De Ligt was called by by the Netherlands for their September fixtures during the international break. United signed the centre-back from Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window after a 50million (42million) deal was agreed with the Bundesliga club.
Saturday night saw the Netherlands face Bosnia & Herzegovina in a Nations League fixture. The Dutch claimed a 5-2 victory with United striker Joshua Zirkzee and former Reds loanee Wout Weghorst among the scorers.
However, the second goal from Bosnia & Herzegovina saw De Ligt get caught out from a long-range pass that led to a tap-in for former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko. This made the score 3-2 in the Netherlands’ favour, before Weghorst and Xavi Simons found the back of the net to ease the Dutch to victory.
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The goal has led to some criticism of De Ligt’s performance, but Koeman has defended the United star and explained why the error happened.
“You concede two goals, you take that with you,” Koeman is quoted telling reporters via Voetbal International. “When that 3-2 fell, you also saw some doubt in the team, while that was not necessary if you looked at the proportions. They score two goals out of very little.
“He [De Ligt] himself realises that he is in the wrong position. This should not happen, but mistakes are part of football. I think it is unfair to make a big deal out of it.”
De Ligt could be involved for the Netherlands once again when they face Germany on Tuesday night in the Nations League. The centre-back will then return to Carrington and look to start his second consecutive Premier League fixture when United travel to face Southampton in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off next weekend.
Erik ten Hag handed De Ligt his first start for United in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool last week. The United boss, who worked with De Ligt during his time at Ajax, substituted the defender in place of Harry Maguire in the 69th minute of the contest at Old Trafford.
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