Netherlands boss defends Matthijs de Ligt after poor Nations League display

Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has defended Matthijs de Ligt's performance in their 5-2 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday after the Dutchman's mistakes allowed the opposition to score twice.

Manchester United's summer signing De Ligt received heavy criticism after his side's UEFA Nations League victory - with both of Bosnia's goals attributed to the defender's mistakes. Fellow summer arrival, Joshua Zirkzee, opened up the scoreline in the 13th minute before four more goals followed to ensure the Netherlands registered a victory at the Philips Stadion.

Speaking after the terrific result, Koeman was quick to defend the actions of the Red Devils defender, claiming that it would be 'unfair' to harshly judge De Ligt.

"He himself realises that he was in the wrong position," Koeman told reporters. "This should not happen, but mistakes are part of football. I think it is unfair to make a big deal out of it."

When asked about Ermedin Demirovic's goal in the opening half, he continued: "Xavi Simons should have done better. He was marking their left midfielder and suddenly walked away from him. Of course, the centre-backs are positioning themselves wrong too.

"We played very well in possession of the ball. Very fresh, fast, often finding the people between the lines. We certainly had a good phase after the break, but then the match has to be over.

"When you concede two goals, you take that with you. When it was 3-2 you also saw some doubt in the team, which wasn't necessary if you looked at the statistics. The opposition scored two goals out of very little."

The Netherlands return to action on Tuesday when they face Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena. Manchester United's next fixture is set to come on 14 September when they travel to face Southampton in the Premier League.

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