Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has been accused of spending "too much time in the gym", making him look "clunky" on the field.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

De Ligt signed to strengthen defenceDefender dropped to bench on SundaySutton says he looks "clunky" on fieldFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

De Ligt joined United from Bayern Munich in a deal worth a reported £43 million ($55m) in August, just three days before their first Premier League game of the new season. After starting four league games in a row, the Dutchman was dropped to the bench for Sunday's 0-0 draw against Aston Villa and replaced the injured Harry Maguire at half-time.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

It was initially billed a significant coup after United landed De Ligt from Bayern, with head coach Vincent Kompany reportedly reluctant to sell. The Netherlands international has faced criticism already, however, with Paul Scholes insisting he is not an upgrade on Maguire, while former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has suggested the 25-year-old is working out too much.

WHAT SUTTON SAID

"[He's] been in the gym too much," he told . "I mean, most people need to get in the gym. [But] when he was at Ajax and making his way and he came to the fore, not only was he strong, but he was agile, he was mobile. He just looks clunky, doesn't he?"

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR DE LIGT?

With Maguire out for weeks, the former Ajax star will likely be back in the starting XI when the Red Devils come up against Brentford on October 19. United are currently 14th in the table with just eight points from seven matches, with De Ligt able to forget about that for now, at least, after joining up with the Netherlands for international duty.