"That was for her" - Matthijs de Ligt explains his celebration after scoring first goal for Manchester United
Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt scored the first goal for the Red Devils in their 3-0 Premier League win over Southampton away on Saturday, September 14. While talking about his celebration, the Dutch defender explained that it was for his wife, who was celebrating her birthday on the same day.
The former Ajax player scored his first goal for United since joining the club from Bayern Munich this summer. However, the Red Devils didn't get off to the start they wanted to. Diogo Dalot gave away a penalty around the 30-minute mark. Camron Archer's penalty was saved by Andre Onana.
The Dutch defender headed in Bruno Fernandes' curling cross just minutes five minutes later. The 25-year-old then ran towards the stands and drew a heart in the air before pointing towards the stands to mark his celebration.
While speaking to TNT Sports after the game, De Ligt revealed that his celebration was for his wife, whom he married just a week before Euro 2024. Here's what he said:
"It's my wife's birthday today, so this goal is for her."
He also credited Onana for the win, saying that the Cameroonian changed the game for Manchester United. He said:
"Obviously, really important (to win). I think if you get three points out the first three games, its not enough. I think we played very well. A big credit to Andre, he changed the game for us and a clean sheet, os obviously (that was) very nice."
De Ligt's performance was in stark contrast to what transpired for the Dutch defender during the international break this month. He was substituted at half-time by Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman during their 2-2 draw against Germany in their UEFA Nations League group stage match.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford scored Manchester United's second goal against Southampton in the 41st minute to break his 13-game goal drought. His well-placed shot into the far corner after being left unmarked at the edge of the box gave Erik ten Hag's men an unassailable lead. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho added a third goal in the dying embers of the game.
Manchester United return to winning ways following their 0-3 defeat at the hands of Liverpool
The Red Devils went into their game against Southampton on the back of consecutive defeats in the Premier League. United won their first game of the season against Fulham but lost two consecutive games to Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool.
They clearly needed a win to turn the season around and that's exactly what happened. On the flip side, Liverpool, who were yet to lose a game and even concede a goal this season, lost 0-1 to Nottingham Forest at Anfield. This was the club's first win against the Reds at Anfield in 55 years.
Manchester United, meanwhile, were placed 14th before the international break but are now placed eighth. Manchester City are the only undefeated team in the Premier League right now after defeating Brentford 2-1 on Saturday.
In their next league clash, Manchester United will take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, September 21.