Manchester United endured a tough 2025 but there are a handful of players who were able to elevate their performances to a new level.
Defeat in the Europa League final and a lowest-ever finish in the Premier League will be the bitter memories taken from Manchester United’s 2025.
But in what has been Ruben Amorim’s first full year as head coach, there have also been some silver linings.
United have shown drastic improvement at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, and United’s recruitment has been more organised and successful than fans have grown used to in recent years.
Which Manchester United player has Ruben Amorim improved the most?
There are also five players who have stepped up and improved their level…
Amad Diallo
In 2024, Amad Diallo was overlooked by Erik ten Hag, but he has undergone a very impressive transformation this year.
The 23-year-old has transformed into a ‘perfect’ wing-back under Amorim and has locked down a starting spot on the right of his 3-4-2-1 formation.
Amad scored a hat-trick against Southampton to kickstart 2025, and his tally has reached seven goals and five assists across 2025.
Matthijs de Ligt
There is a strong argument to be made that Matthijs de Ligt is United’s best defender this season – his stats certainly suggest that is the case.
Amorim has hailed De Ligt’s leadership at just 26 years old, and up until his recent injury he played every available minute of the Premier League campaign.
United legend Rio Ferdinand was critical of De Ligt following his move from Bayern Munich, but he has now made a complete U-turn on the Dutch defender, calling him one of the best in the Premier League.
Casemiro
It was in 2024 that Jamie Carragher told Casemiro to ‘leave the football’, but thankfully, the Brazilian didn’t listen to a word.
After his latest performances, do you want Casemiro to sign a one-year contract extension?
Instead, Casemiro turned up in brilliant shape in pre-season and has returned to his very best in 2025.
Even towards the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Casemiro played a key role in the run to the Europa League final, and the start of the 2025/26 season has seen him tie down a starting spot alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
Amorim admitted Casemiro was the last-choice midfielder at United at the start of the year, but his turnaround has been incredible.
Mason Mount
It only took a few days for Amorim to love Mason Mount and praise his work rate and attitude at Carrington.
United’s No.7 immediately became a favourite of the manager, and Amorim’s trust in Mount is starting to pay off.
Mount scored his third goal of the season against Wolves, meaning he is already enjoying his most productive season since joining from Chelsea.
Mount’s injury record was woeful in 2023 and 2024, but he is starting to find consistency under Amorim in 2025.
Ruben Amorim loves having Mason Mount in his team!
Should Mason Mount be an automatic starter?
Luke Shaw
It looked as though Luke Shaw could leave United after another injury-disrupted year in 2024. He made his return to full fitness in April and has not looked back since.
Shaw has stepped up off the pitch as well as on it, where he has transformed into a solid left-sided centre-back in Amorim’s system.
Now United’s longest-serving player, it seems Shaw has finally settled down in a centre-back role and is overcoming the fitness problems that held him back for so many years.
With Shaw’s contract expiring in 2027, Ineos have a big decision to make on his future at Old Trafford.
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