Matthijs de Ligt has officially been crowned Manchester United’s Player of the Month for November, topping the fan vote conducted in the United App. The Dutch defender finished ahead of Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo, earning the honour for the first time since arriving at Old Trafford in July 2024. It marks a significant milestone in what has been an impressive season for the centre-back, who has quickly become a key figure in United’s defensive structure.
De Ligt’s performances have been consistently strong, helping to stabilise the Reds’ backline throughout a demanding run of fixtures. His recognition is especially notable given that defenders do not often dominate such awards; the last defensive winner was his former Ajax and Bayern Munich teammate, Noussair Mazraoui, who claimed the prize a year earlier. In his interview with club media, De Ligt expressed his gratitude and reflected on the progress he and the team have made.
“It’s really nice to get recognition from the fans and win this award,” he said. “I think we’re doing well and we’re improving as a team. Personally, I’m happy with how things are going. I just try to do my job as well as possible, and receiving this kind of appreciation means a lot. I want to keep improving so I can help the team even more.”
One of the standout moments of his month came in dramatic fashion during United’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur. With the Reds trailing late in the match, De Ligt surged into the penalty area and managed to escape his markers before heading the ball past goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to secure a last-gasp equaliser. It was a highlight that showcased not only his aerial prowess but also his determination in crucial moments.
In addition to that memorable goal, De Ligt also spoke fondly of United’s gritty comeback victory at Selhurst Park, where the team overturned a deficit to beat Crystal Palace. “I have to say the win against Palace was really nice because it was such an important result for us,” he noted. “I try to take things game by game, but scoring as a defender is always a special feeling.”
November brought even more good news for De Ligt on the international stage. After a period away from the starting lineup, he earned a recall to the Netherlands national team and played a significant role in their 4–0 victory over Lithuania. That win secured the Dutch a place at next summer’s World Cup, adding further positivity to the defender’s month.
He acknowledged that his return to the national setup was closely linked to his form at Manchester United. “It’s a combination of doing well for your club, so I’m really happy about that,” he said. “Representing the Netherlands is very important to me, and it feels good to be back.”
Looking ahead, De Ligt emphasised the importance of maintaining his current level. “It’s been a really good month, but this is just the start,” he concluded. “Hopefully I can continue like this, keep improving, and help the team achieve success by the end of the season.”