MATTHIJS DE LIGT has revealed the touching reason behind his goal celebration as Manchester United won 3-0 at Southampton.
The Dutch defender scored his first United goal after joining this summer and was quick to dedicate it to his wife on her 24th birthday.
The 25-year-old headed in Bruno Fernandes’ curling cross just minutes after Cameron Archer’s penalty was saved by Andre Onana.
And a beaming De Ligt ran off in celebration and pointed to the stands.
He then gestured the outline of a heart with his fingers before pointing up again.
When quizzed on the unique celebration, De Ligt told TNT: “It’s my wife’s birthday, so this one is for her!”
De Ligt married his long time girlfriend, Annekee Molenaar, a Dutch model and daughter of ex-footballer Keje Molenaar, a week before Euro 2024.
He also praised his teammates, particularly Onana, who collected the rebound after as United had been stuck in their own half until then.
De Ligt added: “The win was important. I think if you get three points from three games, it’s not enough.
“So there was some pressure, but I think today we played very well.”
He explained: “We’ve been working on some set pieces, this one was not exactly out of the book, but this was from a good spot.”
St Mary’s was stunned into silence when Marcus Rashford scored six minutes after De Ligt.
Rashford picked up a ball on the edge of the area and curled a low shot past Aaron Ramsdale, who probably should have done better.
Saints captain Jack Stephens needlessly chopped down Alejandro Garnacho on the touchline and received a red card with three minutes remaining.
The Argentine winger, 20, then smashed home from six yards out at the death.
