It's often been said by ex-players and pundits alike, that one of Manchester United’s biggest problems on the pitch has been a lack of leadership.
No direction, no heart, no spirit. And no-one who is willing to call it out or lead by example.
But there’s one player who has now emerged not just as a pivotal performer but as a future captain beyond Bruno Fernandes.
That man is Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt in Contention for Man United Captaincy
Manchester United's Matthijs de Ligt celebrates scoring their second goal
After joining in August last year, De Ligt had some teething problems settling into a new environment in a United team that was under-performing in the final months of Erik ten Hag’s reign.
Then came a topsy-turvy few months as Ruben Amorim took charge and players struggled to adapt to a new system that drew plenty of criticism.
Now, though, De Ligt is emerging as a player of true pedigree - a warrior who puts his body on the line with total commitment that’s drawing admiration from players and fans alike.
After a knee injury while at Bayern Munich, there were concerns over De Ligt’s fitness when he arrived at Old Trafford.
But this season he’s played every minute of United’s eleven Premier League games and has been an influential figure in their recent run of five games as they head into Monday’s home clash with Everton.
De Ligt has brought more stability at the back for United with form which has seen him earn a recall to the Dutch national squad after a spell of not being picked last season.
His calmness, assurance and ability to make well-timed defensive interventions have made him the first defender on Amorim’s teamsheet.
De Ligt’s form was building impressively before the visit to Tottenham ahead of the latest international break but his performance in that game marked a new high in his contribution.
Not only did he stand strong in a second-half backs-to-the-wall rearguard action at Tottenham, but the Dutchman then conjured the kind of magical moment that cements his reputation amongst the United faithful.
His injury-time header snatched a deserved point at Spurs and showcased De Ligt’s deep-seated fighting spirit - a trait that’s not always been a feature of United’s play.
It’s a characteristic that makes him a natural candidate to replace Fernandes as captain should United decide to cash in on the Portugal midfielder, who is highly coveted by more than one team in the Saudi Pro League.
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While Casemiro’s spectacular late career resurgence may have catapulted the Brazilian in line for the armband, it’s unlikely he’ll still be at Old Trafford beyond this season.
That makes De Ligt the natural choice and makes it an easy decision for Amorim to take should he need to install a new skipper.
After his heroics against Tottenham, De Ligt made his way from the United dressing room to the private box of fellow Dutchman Micky van der Ven.
Four days earlier van der Ven received applause, high-fives and back-slaps from family and friends as he entered his box post-match after scoring a brilliant solo goal against Champions League opponents Copenhagen.
This time it was De Ligt getting the plaudits from van der Ven’s family and friends before the pair headed off to catch a private plane to Holland to meet up with the rest of Ronald Koeman’s squad.
Amorim is sure it won’t be the last time opponents admire ‘captain-in-waiting’ De Ligt’s work this season.
Man United Insiders 'Raving' Over Casemiro Change
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Insiders at Manchester United’s training HQ have been raving about Casemiro for a different reason than many in the media.
The 33-year-old midfielder earned huge plaudits for his performance and goal in the 2-0 friendly win against Senegal in London last week.
Casemiro’s midfield control, crisp forward passing to initiate attacks and ability to be decisive in the opposition box saw the Brazilian roll back the years.
United fans were maybe less surprised than most, for in recent weeks the former Real Madrid star has been enjoying a welcome return to his best form.
Gone are the dark days when Sky pundit Jamie Carragher claimed Casemiro’s ‘legs had gone’ and other critics questioned whether the Brazilian should even be considered to play for United.
Ruben Amorim has been unwavering in picking the veteran South American as his midfield anchor - and Casemiro’s delivered.
Amorim’s back-room team aren’t surprised either.
They’ve seen Casemiro put in the hard yards in training and the gym since returning to pre-season training - often doing extra-sessions with team-mate and Argentina World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez after other players have gone home.
The result is that Casemiro - 34 in February - is fitter, leaner and in the best condition he’s been in since joining United in August of 2022.
And that’s left Amorim and the club’s hierarchy with a huge dilemma on whether to trigger a 12-month option on the Brazilian - or let him leave for nothing in the summer.
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United’s move for a midfield anchor to replace Casemiro and influence the team for the years ahead is seen within the corridors of power at Old Trafford as a pivotal signing.
Getting it right means building on the progress Ruben Amorim is now beginning to produce at the club.
Make the wrong move and it will set back Amorim’s plan.
And that’s why the race to find the right midfielder has become a worldwide search with one Old Trafford scout saying the net to find Casemiro’s replacement has been cast well beyond the names mentioned.
Technical Director Jason Wilcox and his recruitment team no longer operate on the basis of simply splashing the cash to find the player they want.
The new United want proven talent, value for money, sell-on potential and players who fit the club’s new DNA.
And that directive is being led by Amorim just as much as Wilcox.