'Matthijs de Ligt has found the Premier League difficult' - Jaap Stam tells Ruben Amorim that Dutchman is not the right man to lead Manchester United defence

Legendary Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has warned new Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim that Matthijs de Ligt isn't the ideal man to lead his side's defensive line, claiming that the former Juventus and Bayern Munich centre-back has still not adapted to the rigours of the Premier League, and that Harry Maguire would be a safer bet.

De Ligt made the move from Ajax to Manchester United last summer, reuniting with his former manager Erik ten Hag. However, the reunion quickly turned sour as Ten Hag was dismissed in October. Despite the early setback, De Ligt has gradually improved over time, though he still hasn't reached his full potential and remains a work in progress.

Stam, as such, is adamant that Amorim shouldn't turn to De Ligt to solve his team's defensive crisis, mentioning Maguire to be the leader instead. Stam's comments were in contrast to another ex-Man Utd defender Wes Brown, who is confident that De Ligt will be "an elite defender under Amorim".

Speaking to Sport Lens, Stam conveyed his opinions: "The leader in the Manchester United back three has to be there for the defenders but also the wing backs and the central midfielders, it’s really important that they know the role of everyone in the team."

"That knowledge is key as well as the communication, you also need to have a good relationship and the trust of the manager. That is very important and I think Harry Maguire can do that. He’s been playing that role and he looks really comfortable there given his experience in the past, he can play in the middle and with the right players in it can be successful.

"Matthijs de Ligt is 25 and isn’t a young player anymore. It’s up to him to step-up but we have seen that at times he has found the Premier League difficult. Sometimes managers have to make bold choices but also have options, Maguire can play in the middle and De Ligt could play on the right, that might be the best choice for the team at the moment with Lisandro Martinez on the left."

Sitting in 13th place on the Premier League table, Amorim's troops will be welcoming Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth - who are making a surprise push for the top 4 - on Sunday. December 22 at the Old Trafford.