Ruben Amorim set for best-in-class trio if Matthijs de Ligt’s Man Utd prediction comes true

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Ruben Amorim is slowly putting together the side he wants at Manchester United, and if Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt gets his wish, the Portuguese manager will soon have a formidable trio at Old Trafford.

De Ligt has really stepped up for Manchester United this season, with the former Ajax defender now an integral part of Amorim’s regime.

United have been moulded into a back three under Amorim, with De Ligt occupying the central role in defence thanks to his towering presence and ball-playing ability.

Still just 26 years old, De Ligt has plenty left to give at Manchester United and as the centre-back himself has noted, the best may be yet to come.

What was Matthijs de Ligt’s prediction?

Speaking in an interview with MUTV, De Ligt suggested that he’s only just entering his prime years.

He said: “I am feeling quite good, to be fair. I am happy with the way I started, personally. I feel good physically and mentally. I try to help the team as much as possible in every game.

“Obviously, we are not in the place where we want to be in the long term, but I feel like we are improving as a team and, hopefully in the next weeks, we can get some good results.

“I feel that I am coming to my prime age now. I think as a defender, normally around 29, 30, 31, you are at your best. I am now 26 and I think I have experienced a lot in my career and I can use this experience to my advantage. Hopefully I can keep continuing that.”

In four or five years time, De Ligt expects to be at the top of his game – which is an exciting prospect for Manchester United fans, particularly when considering who could be lining up alongside him.

Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Matthijs de Ligt: a rock-solid future backline

Harry Maguire will likely be long gone, as will Luke Shaw – but two players United supporters will be hoping stick around are Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.

Yoro has emerged as one of United’s finest young talents this season, becoming a regular in the backline. He’s only 19, and the sky truly is the limit for the Frenchman.

As for Heaven, he featured regularly last season but hasn’t had much game time in the 2025/26 campaign so far. He’s also 19, with huge potential still to unlock.

A defensive trio of Yoro, De Ligt and Heaven would complement each other perfectly. Yoro is comfortable playing on either side, Heaven is left-footed and composed, while De Ligt can be the commanding presence in the middle.

If De Ligt’s prediction about reaching his prime at 31 comes true, United could have a superb defensive unit under Amorim – assuming the Portuguese boss is still at the helm.