26-yo United warrior emerges as surprise candidate to replace Bruno Fernandes as club captain – report

Erik ten Hag’s reckless transfer decisions were a significant factor in his downfall at Manchester United. However, one of his signings has become a fulcrum of Ruben Amorim’s project. Signed from Bayern Munich last summer for £42.9m, Matthijs de Ligt’s arrival at Old Trafford was met with doubts over his ability and fitness. After all, the Bundesliga giants rarely let a top talent, entering his peak age, slip out of their grasp. De Ligt silencing the critics Following his initial struggles, the 26-year-old is starting to look like a shrewd piece of business for United. He is the only Red Devil to have played every minute of the Premier League season so far. De Ligt has earned plaudits for his resilient defending and assured presence at the back. The Dutchman’s tendency to put his body on the line and make aggressive tackles and interceptions have made him a fan favourite in Manchester. Matthijs de Ligt stats vs Tottenham StatValue Goals1 Expected Goals (xG)0.1 Assists0 Expected Assists (xA)0 Tackles (won)2 (0) Interceptions2 Clearances7 Blocked Shots0 Recoveries3 Ground Duels (won)3 (2) Aerial Duels (won)3 (2) Dribbled Past0 Key Passes0 Crosses (accurate)0 (0) Accurate Passes37/43 (86%) Passes in Opposition Half (acc.)8/9 (89%) Passes in Own Half (acc.)29/34 (85%) Long Balls (accurate)1/3 (33%) Touches59 Unsuccessful Touches1 Dribbles (successful)0 (0) Possession Lost8 Total Shots1 Expected Goals on Target (xGOT)0.78 Shots on Target1 Shots Blocked0 Source: Sofascore Amorim likes to experiment with his back three and often makes a defensive change mid-game. Still, De Ligt has been an ever-present figure at the heart of the defence this term, underlining the head coach’s faith in him. De Ligt in contention for captain’s armband According to Givemesport, De Ligt’s fighting spirt has made him a “natural candidate” to replace Bruno Fernandes as United’s captain should Ineos decide to part ways with the Portuguese. The veteran midfielder continues to attract interest from the Saudi Pro League. De Ligt showed a commendable level of grit to score an injury-time header against Tottenham Hotspur and rescue a point for the visitors before the international break. It is understood the Netherlands international was applauded by fellow Dutchman Micky van der Ven’s family and friends at the stadium after his heroic performance.  De Ligt’s resurgence at United has not gone unnoticed in his country, as the ex-Ajax sensation earned a recall to the Dutch national squad for November’s fixtures.  Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!