The Manchester United player was Scholes’ “biggest worry” and now he is their player of the season

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There is no doubt about that Manchester UnitedThe team’s dismal performances on the field over the past two seasons have fallen far short of the expectations set by the fans.

The Red Devils fans have been a consistent success, as evidenced by their tally of 13 Premier League titles – all of which came under the supervision of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Reuben Amorim He is the latest coach to attempt to add himself to the list of coaches to achieve this feat, with the club now going 12 years without a Premier League title.

Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim -2

However, the club’s 15th place finish in the 2024/25 season highlights the work they and the first team have to do before they can achieve such a feat in the near future.

While the prospect of competing for the title this season is still very slim, the 40-year-old has certainly seen improvements in many of the players in his ranks.

Manchester United stars in 2025/26 so far

In a bid to return to their former glory, United paid a fee of up to £71m to sign Brian Mbeumo from Brentford during the recent summer transfer window.

Given the nature of the fee, fans no doubt had high expectations for the striker to flourish, but he has already shown glimpses of his ability to live up to the hype.

Brian Mbeumu - Manchester United

The 26-year-old has scored two goals and set up another in his first eight appearances for the club, already cementing himself as one of Amorim’s most important strikers.

He was not alone in impressing in such an area, with Amad Diallo also making an impression and picking up where he left off from the closing stages of last season.

The Ivorian failed to register a single goal or assist, but finished third in the team in terms of chances created – later highlighting his ability to cause endless chaos for the opposition.

However, despite the performances of the aforementioned duo, another member of the first team managed to impress and managed to turn his career around at the club.

The United star who has been named Player of the Season so far

Given their lowly league finish last time out, it is no surprise to anyone that many United players have struggled to make the desired impact at Old Trafford.

Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim's reaction after the match

Several players were transferred during the summer transfer window, as Amorim looked to complete an overhaul of his first team to help fit his 3-4-2-1 system.

Part of the reason for the departure was to make way for the £200m spending spree, which has allowed the likes of Mbeumo to complete their own moves to the north-west.

However, some underperforming artists remained at Dream Theater Matthias de Ligt Only one talent the manager has decided to keep ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The Netherlands international was often dismissed for his lack of impact last season, and was a favorite among former Red Devils fans Paul Scholes He also expressed his disappointment with the defender.

Quotes by Matthias de Ligt and Paul Scholes

Speaking to The Overlap last season, the 50-year-old described his lack of form as “Great concernAmid his move to Manchester – but it’s safe to say the former Bayern Munich star is starting to prove the doubters wrong.

De Ligt has started all seven of the club’s league matches in the 2025/26 season so far, playing every minute and helping the Amorim men keep a clean sheet in the recent win over Sunderland.

Matthijs de Ligt – Premier League statistics (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

outcome

Games played

7

Minutes played

630

Passing accuracy

88%

Duels won

6.2

Antennas won

3.6

Objections were made

1.2

Evading success

50%

Won tackles

2.2

Statistics via Footmob

His basic statistics are equally impressive, having subsequently won 6.2 duels per 90 – a tally that ranks him in the top 16% of all players in the Premier League.

He has also won 3.6 aerial duels and made 1.2 interceptions per 90, these numbers no doubt giving the team the defensive presence they lacked last season.

In possession, the 26-year-old was impressive, completing 88% of the passes he attempted – and is arguably the perfect all-round defender for the Red Devils.

Given his lack of form last season, before joining United, it is truly a credit to the player for his remarkable turnaround, as De Ligt is arguably one of the first names on the squad sheet at the moment.

Matthijs de Ligt, David Kote, penalty kick, West Ham, Man United

His performances have certainly made him the club’s best player so far, with real hope that he can maintain these levels for the remainder of 2025/26.



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