Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt believes the club’s preseason tour in the United States has provided a strong foundation for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign, Softfootball reports.
The Red Devils began their preparations with a friendly against Leeds United in Stockholm before earning a 2-1 victory against West Ham in the US for the Premier League Summer Series.
They are scheduled to return to Old Trafford to face Fiorentina in the final game of the Summer Series ahead of their Premier League opener at home to Arsenal on 17 August.
Speaking midway through the U.S. leg of the tour, De Ligt described the environment as ideal for development both physically and tactically.
The Dutch defender told MUTV:
“It’s going really well. We’ve trained really hard.
“The temperatures are different, the environment is different, but the facilities have been really good. It’s been a nice feeling.”
De Ligt signed earlier last summer to bolster United’s defence, where he’s expected to play a key role in Amorim’s favored back-three system. He has emphasized the benefits of having extended time to work on tactical ideas, something the squad found challenging last season due to their Europa League commitments.
De Ligt continued:
“We saw last season how fit every Premier League team is, so that’s a really big aspect.
“But we also have a lot of time now to train tactically. Last season, with so many games, it was difficult for the manager to implement his ideas.
“They’re both really important, and I’m already seeing we’ve made some steps in both areas. Hopefully, we can keep improving.”
The tour, presented by Snapdragon, has allowed Amorim and his coaching staff a rare window to shape the team in a controlled setting, with an emphasis on both physical conditioning and the introduction of new tactical concepts.
Although United is still pursuing the bid for Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig this summer. Softfootball earlier reported that Sesko has been put up for sale by Leipzig after the player made his intention to play in the Premier League.
But the deal is still dangling between Newcastle, who are offering wages, and a “juicy” Champions League, which Manchester United can’t afford.
United’s final preseason test comes against Fiorentina at Old Trafford, before the campaign begins in earnest against Arsenal on August 17.
