De Ligt predicts a tactically improved Manchester United

Manchester United’s squad is currently immersed in their pre-season tour across the United States, a crucial stage of preparation ahead of what they hope will be a far more successful campaign than the last.

This year’s training camp has taken the players to Chicago, where the hot and humid summer climate presents a stark contrast to what they’re used to in Manchester. With temperatures regularly exceeding thirty degrees Celsius, the conditions have added an extra layer of difficulty to their sessions.

“The weather here is definitely a bit different from Manchester,” Matthijs de Ligt said with a smile during an interview on the club’s media channels. “It takes some getting used to, of course.” But the Dutch defender, who joined United earlier this summer from Bayern Munich, isn’t allowing the conditions to become a distraction. “Whether it’s in the rain or under the blazing sun, football is still the same game. I just try not to think about it too much. The heat and the time difference do make things a bit more challenging, though. Fortunately, the facilities here are excellent. I have a good feeling about the upcoming season.”

De Ligt’s confidence stems not only from the high standards of the pre-season tour but also from the new tactical direction being introduced by head coach Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese manager, who arrived at Old Trafford this summer after a successful spell at Sporting CP, is using this crucial preparation period to instil his philosophy into the squad. Early reports from the training camp suggest that Amorim is focusing intensely on two key elements: physical conditioning and tactical structure.

“Both fitness and tactics are very important,” De Ligt explained. “Last season, you could really see how fit every team was in the Premier League. The intensity is relentless, and if you're not physically at your best, you’re going to struggle. That’s why getting everyone to peak condition now is a major priority.”

But it’s not just about running harder it’s about playing smarter. Amorim’s style, known for its fluid transitions, positional discipline, and tactical intelligence, demands a high level of understanding from every player on the pitch. The new system is built on clarity, with defined roles for defenders, midfielders, and forwards, and a strong emphasis on collective pressing and intelligent spacing. According to De Ligt, the squad is already embracing this shift in approach.

“We now have more time to work on our tactics,” he said. “Last season was really hectic. With midweek Europa League games and domestic fixtures, there wasn’t much space to properly train tactically. It was tough for the manager to lay down his ideas with such limited time on the training pitch. Now, with a clean slate and fewer immediate pressures, we can really focus on understanding and executing what he wants from us.”

That extra time on the training ground is already paying off. Players are reportedly responding well to Amorim’s instructions, with training sessions structured to build tactical awareness as much as physical endurance. Video analysis, tactical walkthroughs, and small-sided drills are all part of the daily routine. De Ligt, known for his intelligence and leadership at the back, is expected to play a key role in anchoring the defence and helping younger teammates adapt to the new system.

“There’s a real sense of purpose this pre-season,” said one source close to the team. “Last year felt reactive like the team was constantly firefighting. This year, it feels proactive. There’s a clear plan, and the players believe in it.”

The renewed tactical focus could be just what United need to bounce back from a disappointing 2023–24 campaign, which saw them finish in a dismal fifteenth place far below the expectations of a club with such rich history and global stature. The arrival of new signings, the leadership of Amorim, and the optimism shared by senior players like De Ligt suggest that the mood around the club has shifted.

The road ahead won’t be easy. United will be competing in a fiercely competitive Premier League, and returning to the upper echelons of English and European football will require consistent performances and mental resilience. But for now, the building blocks are being laid under the intense Chicago sun, with De Ligt and his teammates working day by day to write a new chapter in the club’s story.