Matthijs de Ligt predicted a strong season for Manchester United and in 2025/26 he has been one of the club’s best players.
The only player to have played every minute of Manchester United’s 25/26 Premier League campaign is Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch defender has become integral to Ruben Amorim’s side this season, and at 26 years old he is only just entering his prime at Old Trafford.
Amorim believes De Ligt can level up even further if he works on specific parts of his game, but there is already plenty to like about his performances this season.
Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand called De Ligt United’s best defender and it is hard to argue with that statement. As impressive as Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw have been this season, De Ligt has been near flawless.
Matthijs de Ligt living up to pre-season comments
De Ligt is not in Amorim’s leadership group set up this season, but he has become a leader and role model in his own way through his performances on the pitch.
In the latest 2-2 draw against Tottenham, it was De Ligt who rescued a point with a dramatic last-gasp header. United in Focus readers voted De Ligt as Player of the Match against Spurs.
His strong form may come as a surprise to few, but De Ligt tipped himself to have a big season before a ball was even kicked in 2025/26.
How would you rate Manchester United’s season after 11 Premier League games?
In pre-season, De Ligt spoke to United’s club media and anticipated a strong season.
“I feel there’s still a lot more to come. Sometimes me and other football fans forget I’m still 25, and as a centre-back you’re normally in your prime at 28 or 29, so in that way, I’m still quite young.”
“Sometimes I don’t feel that way [young] but there’s a lot more to come. Hopefully we can build something together at United to show the world what we’re capable of.
“Personally, I’d love to carry on from how I was in March, April – I feel that is the level I could show and should show on a consistent basis. That’s my personal goal, and also to stay fit, that is really important. And then the goal with the team is to really show everybody what it is to play for United, and to get a positive vibe again around the team and the club.”
Matthijs de Ligt is achieving both his goals this season
In his pre-season interview, De Ligt mentions two areas he wants to improve – staying fit and becoming consistent.
Now 11 games into the new Premier League season, he is achieving both. De Ligt has been consistently impressive and he has played more league minutes than any of his teammates.
De Ligt earned a recall to the Netherlands this November international break because his form at United was too good to overlook for manager Ronald Koeman.
United have incredible defensive depth with Lisandro Martinez set to return to full fitness after the international break, but De Ligt’s spot in the starting XI is nailed on.
Amorim’s three-at-the-back system means he can chop and change his line-up to suit each match, but De Ligt is currently one of the first names on the teamsheet.
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