BREAKING NEWS: Erling Haaland names the ONE Manchester United defender he has never dribbled past — and it’s not who fans expected
Erling Haaland has delivered a remarkable confession that has caught the attention of football fans across England, revealing that there is one Manchester United defender he has never been able to beat in a direct dribble — Matthijs de Ligt.
The Manchester City striker, renowned for his devastating mix of pace, power and ruthless finishing, has made a habit of dominating elite defenders throughout his career. Some of the best centre-backs in world football have struggled to cope with Haaland’s physical presence and intelligent movement, as he continues to redefine what it means to be a modern striker in the Premier League.
Despite regularly overpowering defenders considered among the very best, Haaland admitted there is one opponent who has consistently managed to shut him down. Speaking about his toughest individual challenge, the Norwegian reportedly stated that while he has succeeded against many high-profile defenders, De Ligt remains the only one he has never dribbled past.
The revelation has surprised supporters and analysts alike, particularly given how often the two sides have faced each other in high-intensity Manchester derbies. Haaland’s admission carries extra weight because one-on-one duels are central to his attacking game. Beating him in such situations requires more than strength; it demands intelligence, flawless timing, positional awareness and unwavering composure.
De Ligt’s ability to read danger early, stay on his feet, and control space rather than rush into tackles has repeatedly frustrated the City forward. In several derby encounters, the Dutch defender has matched Haaland stride for stride, blocked passing lanes and forced him into less dangerous areas, limiting his impact inside the box. It is a level of consistency that very few defenders in Europe can claim against the City striker.
What makes the praise even more striking is that Haaland is not alone in his assessment. Reports suggest Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah recently made a similar observation in private, describing De Ligt as one of the most challenging defenders he has come up against in England. Known for his sharp footwork and ability to glide past opponents, Salah rarely singles out centre-backs, making his alleged comments particularly telling.
For two of the Premier League’s most lethal attackers to independently acknowledge the same defender underlines De Ligt’s growing stature at Old Trafford. Since joining Manchester United, the Dutchman has faced scrutiny, with questions raised about whether his style would translate effectively to the speed and intensity of English football.
Under Ruben Amorim, however, De Ligt appears increasingly comfortable. The United manager’s emphasis on structure, compact defending and intelligent positioning has allowed the centre-back to play to his strengths. Rather than being dragged out of position, De Ligt has been entrusted to control central areas and organise the back line, a responsibility he has embraced with authority.
Haaland’s candid admission may well mark a turning point in how De Ligt’s performances are viewed, offering powerful validation from one of the most feared forwards in the game.
