Erling Haaland has made a striking admission that has quickly captured the imagination of football fans across England, revealing that there is one Manchester United defender he has never managed to beat in a one-on-one dribble: Matthijs de Ligt.
The Manchester City striker is widely regarded as one of the most destructive attacking forces in modern football. With his rare blend of explosive speed, immense strength, sharp movement, and lethal finishing, Haaland has routinely overpowered and outwitted defenders at the very highest level.
Across the Premier League and in European competition, even centre-backs considered among the elite have found it extremely difficult to contain him. His dominance in individual duels has become a defining feature of his game.
Yet, despite his success against countless top-class defenders, Haaland has openly acknowledged that one opponent stands apart.
Reflecting on the toughest personal battles of his career, the Norwegian striker reportedly admitted that while he has dribbled past many high-profile defenders, De Ligt is the only one he has never been able to get the better of in a direct confrontation.
The statement has surprised many supporters and analysts, particularly given the frequency and intensity of Manchester derby clashes.
One-on-one situations are a crucial element of Haaland’s attacking threat, and stopping him in those moments requires far more than physical power alone.
It demands anticipation, composure, perfect timing, and the ability to control space under extreme pressure.
De Ligt’s defensive intelligence has repeatedly proven effective against the City forward. Rather than diving into challenges or relying solely on strength, the Dutch centre-back consistently reads Haaland’s intentions early, stays balanced, and positions himself to block dangerous routes.
In several derby encounters, De Ligt has matched Haaland stride for stride, cut off supply lines, and shepherded him away from high-value areas, reducing his influence in and around the penalty box.
Very few defenders in Europe can claim such consistency against a striker of Haaland’s calibre.
What makes the praise even more noteworthy is that Haaland is reportedly not the only elite attacker to hold this view.
Sources suggest that Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has also privately expressed admiration for De Ligt, describing him as one of the most difficult defenders he has faced in England.
Given Salah’s reputation for quick feet and his ability to glide past opponents, such recognition from him adds further weight to De Ligt’s growing reputation.
For two of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers to independently single out the same defender speaks volumes about De Ligt’s impact at Old Trafford.
Since his arrival at Manchester United, the Dutch international has faced scrutiny, with some questioning whether his style would adapt smoothly to the pace and physical demands of English football.
Under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, however, De Ligt has begun to flourish. Amorim’s focus on defensive organisation, compactness, and intelligent positioning has allowed the centre-back to play to his strengths.
Rather than being pulled out of shape, De Ligt has been given responsibility to command central areas, read danger, and lead the defensive unit—tasks he has embraced with growing authority.
Haaland’s candid confession may ultimately reshape perceptions of De Ligt’s influence, serving as powerful validation from one of the most feared forwards in world football and reinforcing the defender’s rising status in the Premier League.
