Mohamed Salah makes rare admission ahead of the Liverpool vs Manchester United showdown

In the buildup to the season’s most anticipated clash at Anfield, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has made a surprising confession about Manchester United’s defensive setup — and one player in particular: Matthijs de Ligt.

Speaking in an exclusive pre-match interview, Salah revealed that while he has faced some of the best defenders in world football, including William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Rúben Dias, none of them possess the “old-school defensive instinct” that de Ligt brings to Manchester United’s backline.

“I’ve played against top defenders like Saliba, Gabriel, and even Rúben Dias,” Salah said. “But this particular Manchester United defender — de Ligt — has a unique quality that none of today’s modern defenders possess. He reads the game in a way that reminds me of defenders from the past — disciplined, strong, and fearless.”

Salah’s comments have sparked huge discussion among fans and pundits, especially as both sides prepare for what could be a defining Premier League battle.

De Ligt’s resurgence under Ruben Amorim

Since joining Manchester United, Matthijs de Ligt has slowly regained the commanding form that once made him one of Europe’s most promising defenders. After struggling for consistency at Bayern Munich, the Dutch centre-back has flourished under the management of Ruben Amorim, whose tactical structure has allowed him to blend composure with aggression.

Amorim has given de Ligt the confidence and authority to lead from the back, and that has transformed United’s defensive mentality. The Dutch international’s partnership with Lisandro Martínez has been particularly impressive, bringing both stability and leadership to a backline that was once criticized for inconsistency.

Analysts have noted that Amorim’s system plays directly to de Ligt’s strengths — pressing in compact lines, winning early duels, and using intelligence rather than reckless challenges to neutralize threats.

“De Ligt looks reborn under Amorim,” said one former United player. “He’s not just defending; he’s orchestrating the backline like a true general. That’s probably why Salah respects him — he’s not easily rattled.”

Salah’s words: Respect or mind games?

While Salah’s admission may appear to be a genuine show of respect, some believe it could also be psychological warfare ahead of the high-stakes derby. The Liverpool forward, known for his tactical maturity and mental sharpness, might be subtly applying pressure on United’s defense or even diverting attention away from his own preparation.

Football pundit Gary Neville weighed in on Sky Sports:

“It’s classic Salah. He knows exactly what he’s doing. By praising de Ligt, he’s putting pressure on the defender while also sending a message to Amorim’s side that he’s already studied them. It’s part respect, part strategy.”

Regardless of the motive, Salah’s remarks highlight the growing recognition of de Ligt’s performances — a sign that even one of the world’s most lethal forwards sees the Dutchman as a real challenge.

How de Ligt transformed United’s defensive identity

Manchester United’s defensive setup this season has been one of their most improved aspects. De Ligt’s presence has added organization and confidence to a backline that previously looked fragile. His communication, aerial dominance, and ability to intercept have turned him into a cornerstone of Amorim’s system.

Unlike Maguire, who often plays deeper, de Ligt operates with a proactive mindset — stepping forward to close spaces and break passing lanes before the danger escalates. His balance between physicality and tactical awareness has helped United adapt to Amorim’s more dynamic defensive structure.

Liverpool’s attacking trio — Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz — will now have to deal with a defense that’s far more compact and synchronized than in recent seasons.

The tactical battle: Salah vs de Ligt at Anfield

Sunday’s showdown at Anfield promises to be a tactical chess match. Arne Slot’s Liverpool are expected to attack with pace and precision, while Amorim’s Manchester United will likely rely on structured pressing and rapid counterattacks.

Salah, who has terrorized United’s defense in previous meetings, will be the focal point of Liverpool’s attack once again. But facing a reinvigorated de Ligt presents a fresh challenge.

“De Ligt doesn’t dive in,” explained former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. “He’s patient, reads Salah’s body movement, and uses timing instead of brute force. That makes him a rare kind of defender in today’s game.”

Salah himself acknowledged this during his interview:

“He’s not the type you can trick with one movement. You have to work to beat him. He’s clever, and he’s not afraid to take a hit for the team. Players like that make matches exciting.”

Fan reactions: “Finally, someone Salah respects!”

Salah’s comments have sent social media into overdrive. Many fans praised the Egyptian forward’s honesty, while others viewed it as a subtle warning to Liverpool’s attack that the battle will be fierce.

One fan wrote:

“If Salah is saying this, then de Ligt must be something special right now. He’s not easily impressed.”

Another commented:

“Respect goes both ways. Salah knows de Ligt’s rise under Amorim isn’t a fluke. Sunday’s going to be a war.”

Manchester United fans, meanwhile, have taken pride in Salah’s remarks, seeing it as proof that Amorim’s rebuild is paying off:

“Imagine Salah fearing a United defender again — feels like the old days. Amorim’s impact is real.”

What to expect at Anfield tomorrow

The Liverpool vs Manchester United fixture has always been charged with passion, pride, and unpredictability — but this time, it carries even more weight. With both clubs chasing momentum, individual duels like Salah vs de Ligt could define the match’s outcome.

If de Ligt can contain Salah’s movement and deny him space inside the box, United’s chances of securing a result at Anfield will rise significantly. But if Salah finds a way past him early on, the energy of Anfield could overwhelm Amorim’s side.

As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on these two warriors — one leading Liverpool’s attacking charge, the other standing tall at the heart of United’s defense.

CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS EPIC DERBY TOMORROW!