“Really really proud of the performances”: United star says “aggressive” teammate in terrific form is entering his prime

Manchester United star Noussair Mazraoui has delivered a bold assessment of teammate Matthijs de Ligt, who is in terrific form. De Ligt enjoying rich vein of form De Ligt has been the picture of consistency for United this season, producing several solid performances at the back to aid the club’s improvement on the pitch. He has played every minute of Premier League action this term, highlighting just how highly Ruben Amorim rates him. Whether deployed on the right or in the middle of the three-man defence, De Ligt has proven to be a reliable presence. He was the hero of the day as United played out a dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. He rose the highest to head in an equaliser in the 96th minute of proceedings, earning the Red Devils a valuable point in North London. In doing so, De Ligt also ensured that United’s unbeaten streak was not broken. Speaking to United media, Mazraoui hailed his friendship with De Ligt. The pair joined United on the same day from Bayern Munich last summer. They also lined up together in Ajax. Mazraoui also claimed that De Ligt is rediscovering the superb form that earned him the Golden Boy award in 2018. He remains the only defender to have scooped up the prestigious accolade. Mazraoui further stated that De Ligt is entering his prime. Mazraoui fires De Ligt claim Mazraoui said about his relationship with De Ligt, “It makes it really easy. Also, when we just arrived here, that you have somebody who you know so well, it makes it easy to adapt in a new team because you’ve always got somebody who is like one that you can talk with. To share some thoughts, to have like also honest opinions about how you guys are doing.” “I think we’ve built that relationship really, really good. That we are not [holding back]. Then we can be really honest with each other, if we’re doing well, or if we can really improve on some certain things. And it’s that we’re really, you know, honest to each other in those things. And that just makes life really easy here.” He remarked about De Ligt’s performances, “As a defender, he’s also really aggressive. He likes to be in the duels and win his duels. He likes to be in the duels and win his duels. On the ball, he’s also really, really good on the ball. You see the Ajax school, of course, in his style of play. “He makes really good decisions, with the ball and also without the ball, and he’s really, really vocal, which is really important for his position.” “So, you know, it’s always easier when you have somebody behind you, like telling you a little bit left, just a little bit right, to block a certain passing line.” “That’s how he is on the pitch and, outside the pitch, he is just relaxed, a relaxed guy. Really open and really funny. I think he’s a really good guy to be around. Yeah, I just love the guy.” Mazraoui continued, “I’m really, really proud of the performances he is putting up now.” “I think he should stay like this and even improve more because I know he can be even better than this.” “He is still quite young, yeah, I think he even won the Golden Boy [award]. I said lately for fun, also a little bit serious, that he is reaching his form of a Golden Boy again. I think he is getting into his prime at this point.” United are next in action on November 25 when they welcome Everton to Old Trafford. Featured image Alex Pantling 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 Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!