Early favourite for Player of the Year explains secret to his spectacular form this season

Matthijs de Ligt has been a pillar at the back for Manchester United this season. Signed from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024, the Dutch defender initially struggled to find his feet in the Premier League. De Ligt registered 42 appearances across competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, 36 of which were starts. However, the player’s progress at the Theatre of Dreams was hindered by injuries. The 26 year old missed four games with a knee injury, five games due to a foot injury, and was sidelined for another game due to illness last season. However, De Ligt has brushed his fitness issues aside this campaign and has become an ever-present figure for United. One of the first names on Amorim’s team sheet De Ligt has started every game for United in the Premier League this season and has played every minute in the league so far. The Dutchman also came off the bench in the disastrous EFL Cup second-round defeat to Grimsby Town earlier this season. Matthijs de Ligt Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionTotalGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League111–––990′ EFL Cup1––––45′ Total121–––1,035′ Source: Transfermarkt With Harry Maguire already on the wrong side of 30 and out of contract next summer, De Ligt has taken command at the back for Amorim this season. His performances have prompted Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman – who didn’t select De Ligt for the October internationals – to include him in the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The former Ajax skipper has now revealed the reason for his recent rise. Pre-season has helped De Ligt Speaking to NOS while on international duty, De Ligt insisted that changing his mindset has helped him improve. He said: “I’m 26 now and, I think, I’m entering the best years of my career, both physically and mentally. “I’ve changed my mindset. Initially, I didn’t want to make mistakes; now I want to do as many good things as possible.” When pressed on the secret of his recent form with United, the Dutch defender said: “There are a few explanations for that.” “I’ve had quite a few injuries in recent years, which took a toll on my confidence in my body. This year, I was able to participate in the entire preseason. I know the club and the league better, and you feel more confident and can be more dominant.” On Saturday, 8 November, De Ligt scored deep into second-half injury time to secure a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur and preserve United’s five-game unbeaten run. There’s no doubt that he has been one of Amorim’s best players this season. Matthijs de Ligt scoring five minutes after Richarlison thought he had won the game for Spurs 😅 pic.twitter.com/6txnK64uUv — ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) November 8, 2025 Featured image Justin Setterfield 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.