“Impressive” – Alan Shearer singles out one Man Utd star in torrid first half | OneFootball

While Manchester United produced a hollow display in the first half against Fulham, Alan Shearer liked what he saw from Matthijs de Ligt.

The Dutchman started at the back alongside Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro in the FA Cup 5th round tie held at Old Trafford. At the end of a largely uneventful first half, the Red Devils found themselves trailing as Calvin Bassey nodded the ball home from close range.

The visitors earned a late corner kick which was initially headed towards the back post by Rodrigo Muniz, which allowed the Nigerian to score the opener after beating Noussair Mazraoui for the ball.

Needless to say, Shearer wasn’t impressed by the Red Devils’ defending on that particular occasion.

That sums Manchester United up. They lose two headers with what I would say is a pretty simple ball to deal with,” said the Newcastle and Blackburn legend during while doing commentary on BBC Sport.

“Having said that, the movement of the Fulham players was excellent. Manchester United are slow to react, they have to be quicker.

Alan Shearer left impressed by Man Utd defender Matthijs de Ligt

(Getty Images)

Nevertheless, the iconic striker reserved praise for one Man Utd star, at least prior to the goal conceded. Shearer noted how clean and tidy De Ligt had been in the first half.

“De Ligt has done everything right so far. His defending is impressive, really tight and not giving anyone any space.”

It must be noted that shortly after Shearer’s comment, a misplaced pass from the Dutch defender forced Manuel Ugarte to commit a challenge on Andrea Pereira to prevent the Fulham man from heading towards goal, thus earning himself a yellow card in the process.

Regardless, it remains to be seen if Man Utd can still rescue their FA Cup defence campaign.