‘Magnificent’: Rio Ferdinand says £43m Man United star now undroppable

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has praised centre-back Matthijs de Ligt for his superb start to the season.

The Netherlands international has played the most minutes among Man United outfield players in the Premier League this term, impressing at central and right centre-back.

De Ligt was nominated for United’s August Player of the Month but lost to forward Bryan Mbeumo, who has also been excellent since the start of the campaign.

The 26-year-old has made more interceptions and clearances per game in the league than any of his team-mates. Also, only two players have made more accurate passes per game than him, underscoring his good run of form.

Ferdinand believes the Dutchman has now become undroppable for manager Ruben Amorim.

He told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “I think he has been magnificent this season, solid in all departments, and he has probably put himself in a position to be the first name on the team sheet.

“If we go by (Leny) Yoro being on the bench at the weekend, you think he is now the manager’s number one choice in defence.

“He has been really sound, and the fact that he has been keeping Harry Maguire out of the team says it all.”

De Ligt made his breakthrough at a very young age at Ajax, winning the 2018 Golden Boy award and was named FIFA FIFPro World11 in 2019 at the age of 20.

However, his career took a downturn at Juventus, and he could not rediscover his form at Bayern Munich.

De Ligt struggled in his first months at United after his £42.9m move from Bayern, but has had an upturn in form. The Mancunian giants will now hope he fully regains his world-class status.

Article written by Henry Thornton .