The win against Chelsea has lifted the mood around Manchester United, but for one player, it was just a vindication of his form throughout the season.
Manchester United haven’t had the best start to the season, which is partly down to the brutal fixture list, but also because of their own shortcomings.
Players like Amad, for example, have failed to reach the heights of last season, and the noise around the likes of Kobbie Mainoo hasn’t helped.
However, one player, despite all this upheaval, has broken out this season by showing world-class levels. He was imperious against Chelsea and well on his way to becoming a leader, as per Andy Mitten.
Andy Mitten raves about Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt’s signing from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024 was regarded as a coup for the club, but it wasn’t without questions.
For one, De Ligt had hopped clubs too often, raising questions over his suitability, and there were doubts about whether he had peaked too early in his career.
A struggle in the first season at Old Trafford didn’t help, especially in contrast to Noussair Mazraoui’s flawless introduction to English football, who came from the same team at the same time.
However, De Ligt has been a colossus this season with a string of performances that have reminded Man Utd fans why he was once likened to Franz Beckenbauer.
Against Chelsea, De Ligt was dominant once again, keeping up his form that has seen his stock rise despite the team collapsing this season.
Mitten, speaking on The Talk of the Devils podcast, said De Ligt is proving people wrong and is on his way to becoming a leader.
He said: “He’s been Man Utd’s best and most consistent player. I was surprised he wasn’t in the leadership group. He had a so-so first season. We’re now seeing the real De Ligt. He can absolutely become a leader. I’ve not seen him have a bad game this season.”
De Ligt’s emergence is timed perfectly
Not everybody rocks up in English football and starts dominating, so De Ligt’s debut season struggles are not a surprise.
What is a pleasant surprise is how quickly he has adapted and improved his game to dominate in his second season.
His emergence into a defensive rock is timed perfectly because, after overhauling the striker department this season, changes could be coming to the defence next season.
Harry Maguire will be in a reduced role if he signs a new contract, while the likes of Ayden Heaven, Godwill Kukonki, and even Leny Yoro will need a senior partner.
Maguire held that role until last season, but United have his natural successor in De Ligt, who might even end up being an upgrade.
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