De Ligt: I don't feel awkward in 4-defender setup; I can adapt to 2 setups

Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt returned to the national team after a month's absence, re-establishing the back four formation during Monday evening's match. Partnering Virgil van Dijk throughout the entire game, he helped the Netherlands secure victory over Lithuania in their final World Cup qualifier, thereby clinching top spot in their group. Following the match, he shared his perspective on the tactical system.

Manchester United centre-back Matthijs de Ligt has acknowledged that he has gradually adapted to Amoim's five-man defence system over time.

Amoim's earlier insistence on deploying a five-man defensive setup – comprising three centre-backs and two wing-backs – drew fierce criticism. Some argued the Portuguese manager needed to adopt a more pragmatic approach by reverting to a traditional four-man defence to secure results.

Facing mounting pressure before the victory over Burnley, Amoim told reporters: "Gentlemen, if I felt it necessary to change... I've played 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 throughout my entire career. The only system I haven't played is 3-4-3.

"My approach is that we must master this system to perfection before adapting it. Some managers adopt the mindset of 'I'll implement this system first, then tweak it later'.

"My philosophy is to establish a core system adaptable to different formations. Once every player can execute it with their eyes closed, I'll introduce significant changes."

Manchester United are currently on a five-match unbeaten run, sitting just one point off the top four in the table. One of the key figures in their recent form has been Matthijs de Ligt, who has started every Premier League match under Nuno Espírito Santo this season.

On Monday evening, he partnered Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk in a back four for the full 90 minutes as the Netherlands defeated Lithuania in their final World Cup qualifier to secure top spot in their group. When questioned about his preference afterwards, the 26-year-old insisted he harbours no particular inclination.

"No, I don't have any particular preference," he told Flashscore. "At Manchester United we employ a five-man defence, but in practice it functions more like a back four.

"It didn't feel awkward playing today – it felt just like normal. I can adapt to both systems. Now I have more experience with the five-man setup, and the more experience you gain, the easier it becomes to play."

Fans witnessed De Ligt's perspective in action during the final fixture before November's international break. United frequently shifted to a back four, with Luke Shaw dropping into central midfield.

Having secured World Cup qualification, De Ligt expressed delight after the match – his first start for the Netherlands since last November.

"A return? Yes, in a way," he admitted.

"I wasn't selected last time and hadn't started for a while, so I'm delighted today. Things have gone well so far this season.

"I'm not sure if it's a 'comeback season', but I feel good, things are improving at club level, and now I've started for the national team again – that's fantastic."

"The World Cup is still a long way off," De Ligt added. "The most important thing is staying fit – that's key for everyone."