Matthijs de Ligt has received a fine reward for the strong month he has had at Manchester United. The Netherlands international has been named the club’s Player of the Month for the first time since his arrival at Old Trafford.
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Manchester United host West Ham United at Old Trafford this evening at 21:00, and they do so with Matthijs de Ligt arriving in outstanding form and with a fresh accolade under his belt.
The Netherlands international has been named Manchester United’s Player of the Month for November, the first time he has claimed the award since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024.
The recognition comes at a moment when United are trying to build some stability in the Premier League after a mixed start to the season. In November, the team played four league matches and lost only once, away to Everton. Across that run, De Ligt did not miss a single minute. He anchored the back line throughout, combining defensive authority with leadership and composure on the ball. It is that consistency that has now been rewarded by the club’s supporters and internal panel with the November prize, just a few months after he walked through the doors at Carrington.
One of the key moments of his month came in the match against Tottenham Hotspur. In that game, United were under pressure and facing the prospect of defeat, but De Ligt stepped up in both boxes. He was dominant defensively and also made a decisive contribution at the other end, helping the team secure a valuable point. That performance is widely regarded as the one that tipped the vote in his favour for Player of the Month, underlining the growing influence he has on big occasions.
Since his arrival in the summer of 2024, the Dutch defender had been repeatedly shortlisted for the monthly club award but never quite got over the line. He was nominated three times, only to see the trophy slip away on each occasion. Bryan Mbeumo claimed the prize in both August and October after explosive attacking displays, while captain Bruno Fernandes took it in September for his goals and creativity from midfield. This time, it is finally De Ligt’s turn, a sign that his work at the back is no longer going unnoticed compared to the contributions of more attacking players.
Speaking to MUTV, the club’s in house channel, De Ligt stressed that the award reflects the progress of the whole team rather than just his own form. He explained that things are going well in the dressing room, that the squad is improving collectively, and that the structure on the pitch is becoming clearer with each passing game. At the same time, he admitted that he is happy with how things are going for him individually, especially after a period of adaptation to a new league, a new country and a new tactical environment.
The right footed defender also briefly looked back on the international break he spent with the Dutch national team. He described it as another positive chapter in an already successful month, saying that it is always special to help the Netherlands, and that representing his country remains one of the most important aspects of his career. Being able to perform at a high level for both club and country in such a short period has given him extra confidence heading into the busy winter schedule.
For Manchester United, De Ligt’s rise in form comes at a crucial time. The Premier League calendar is about to enter one of its most intense phases, with matches stacked closely together and little time to recover between fixtures. In such periods, defensive solidity often makes the difference between a good run and a costly slump. Having a central defender who is not only reliable but also in top physical and mental condition is a major boost for the coaching staff as they plan their rotation and tactics.
The match against West Ham United this evening is another test of that stability. West Ham have developed a reputation for being awkward opponents who can mix physicality with quality on the ball, especially from set pieces and crosses. De Ligt will be central to dealing with that threat. His aerial ability, reading of the game and willingness to organise the back line will all be essential if United want to keep a clean sheet and extend their positive run from November into December.
There is also a symbolic element to this evening. De Ligt goes into the game as the freshly crowned Player of the Month, with his name likely to be announced and applauded inside Old Trafford before kick off. Moments like that help to strengthen the bond between player and supporters. For a defender, who often does the less glamorous work away from the limelight, such public recognition can be a powerful motivator.
Beyond tonight’s fixture, De Ligt’s award feeds into a wider narrative about United’s rebuilding process. His signing in the summer of 2024 was seen as a statement of intent, bringing in a defender with experience at the highest level in Italy, Spain and Europe, but still young enough to form the core of the team for years to come. The fact that he is already emerging as one of the standout performers of the season suggests that the club’s recruitment in this area is paying off.
For now, though, the focus is simple: West Ham at home, under the lights at Old Trafford, with three important Premier League points on the line. Kick off is at 21:00, and once again Matthijs de Ligt will be at the heart of Manchester United’s defence, looking to show why he has just been voted their Player of the Month and why this may only be the first of many individual honours he collects in a red shirt.
Updated: 04:26, 4 Dec 2025
