The 2025/26 season is a crucial one for everyone at Manchester United, not just because it’s Ruben Amorim’s first full season, but because the stench of last season needs to be washed away.
Most Man Utd players didn’t walk away from that season with their reputation intact, never mind enhanced, and the rebuild begins here.
In many ways, it was a “lost” season, where everyone looked like they were on autopilot, waking themselves up to play European football, and then losing that too.
One Man Utd star has now assured fans that, contrary to their expectations, his best is yet to come, and he will start to show it this season.
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester UnitedMatthijs de Ligt fires back at critics
It is ironic that even in a season where not many players cover themselves in glory, Matthijs de Ligt emerged with his status enhanced.
He wasn’t always available, and that was a source of frustration, but his warrior-like style of play and leadership qualities made him a fan favourite.
De Ligt burst onto the scene with Ajax at just 17, so he’s already been playing top-level football for nearly a decade now.
In that time, he has played for the biggest clubs in three countries, four if you count the sheer profile of United as a club, not as a playing squad.
That has led many fans to theorise that De Ligt peaked early, and United are now seeing the husk of that golden boy of football.
However, speaking to MUTV [via YouTube], De Ligt has fired back at those people, saying that, at 25, he is still young for a centre-back, and armed with his experience, his peak should be something to look forward to.
He said: “There’s more in the tank for me to show. Sometimes I, or other fans, forget I’m still 25. As a centre-back, you’re in your prime at 28-29. I’m still quite young. Been to a lot of places, so I don’t feel that way. I have a feeling that there’s still a lot more to come.”
De Ligt needs to solidify leadership status
It is interesting to note that De Ligt has been marked as a natural leader ever since he thrilled the footballing world with his potential at Ajax.
However, Ruben Amorim didn’t include him in his leadership group at Man Utd, choosing Noussair Mazraoui instead.
The pressure and scrutiny that come with being at Old Trafford did seem to get to De Ligt at times, something which he seemed much more capable of handling as the season went on.
Now that he is used to it and has adapted to the league, expectations will be much higher, especially as the leader of a young backline.
If he comes anywhere near the sort of form he’s already shown he’s capable of in the past, United will finally have the version who was once called the heir apparent to Franz Beckenbauer.