Bruno Fernandes won’t be at Manchester United forever, and so the next captain of the club is likely already at Old Trafford.
Being the captain of Manchester United is an honour that not many get to experience, and only true greats can be remembered as successes wearing the armband.
The United captaincy has been a privilege given to legends like Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney, and Gary Neville, and most recently Bruno Fernandes, who has led by example while wearing the armband.
Fernandes has come under fire from Keane for his captaincy style; however, his performances are indisputable over the three seasons he has worn it.
But already, Ruben Amorim will surely be pondering who succeeds the Portuguese midfielder.
Why Matthijs de Ligt is the clear Bruno Fernandes successor at Manchester United
Up until this season, choosing another player capable of wearing the captain’s armband would be very difficult, with nobody standing out.
Amorim named a six-man leadership group last season, but within this, there weren’t any players we could foresee being a captain week in, week out. However, after a strong start to the season, it is now clear that Matthijs de Ligt is the successor.
During pre-season, De Ligt backed himself to raise levels at United, and after 11 games played, that prediction has come true.
The Dutchman has played every single minute for the Red Devils this season, and his importance on the team has become huge as he becomes untouchable in that back three.
Rio Ferdinand has been singing De Ligt’s praises this season, being very impressed by the manner in which he has defended. De Ligt has become the rock for United, in the middle of a back three with Luke Shaw (unnatural position) and Leny Yoro (young) on either side of him, both not massively experienced.
Besides his performances being top tier, De Ligt has been a leader on the pitch for United, organising his defence and clearly growing as a character and in confidence every day.
Given how his early to late 20s went, it is easy to forget De Ligt was Ajax captain at 18; being a leader of men is in his blood. So, considering De Ligt is now 26 and coming into his prime, there would be no better choice to take the armband from Fernandes when he departs.
Matthijs de Ligt has the potential to be the best centre-back in the world
Noussair Mazraoui has stated that De Ligt is rediscovering his ‘Golden Boy form’, and this has resulted in the Netherlands international emerging as one of the best in England.
How would you rate Manchester United’s season after 11 Premier League games?
But he might not stop there, as De Ligt was once considered the next Franz Beckenbauer, and at his age, with potentially six or seven years left until he begins to deteriorate, he might very well reach these levels.
De Ligt is a super-talented defender, but more importantly, for the captaincy debate, he is a huge character, the ultimate professional, and also seemingly very popular within the squad.
With De Ligt emerging as a leader and Leny Yoro developing well towards his potential as a world-class footballer, the defence at Old Trafford could be secure for the next few years, and it is good enough to win silverware.
Signed while his stock was at an all-time low, De Ligt has been rebuilt by United, and the best is yet to come. He might even go on to become an all-time great for the club if he is involved in taking United back to the top of the game.
By the time United’s project 150 rolls around, De Ligt will only be 28, firmly in the prime of his defensive capabilities and also at this rate, he will be world-class for Amorim.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/mOjRdX3