Rio Ferdinand Heaps Praise on Manchester United Trio Matthijs De Ligt, Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens Following Red Devils’ Impressive Revival
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has applauded the resurgence of the team under Ruben Amorim, singling out three standout performers — Matthijs De Ligt, Bryan Mbeumo, and Senne Lammens — for their pivotal roles in the club’s recent upturn in form. The former defender emphasized that United’s improvement is not the work of a single player but the result of collective strength and individual brilliance across key positions.
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube show, Ferdinand was asked who he believes is United’s most important player at the moment. He was quick to dismiss the idea that one man alone could be credited for the turnaround. “It can’t be down to one man,” he said. “Matthijs De Ligt has been our best defender this season. He’s even adding goals, like that last-minute header the other day. But it’s his mentality, his aggression, his willingness to press and defend in the right areas that make the difference.”
De Ligt’s transformation since joining United has been remarkable. The Dutch international, once criticized for inconsistency at Bayern Munich, has flourished under Amorim’s tactical system. His leadership at the back, combined with his calmness on the ball, has brought much-needed stability to United’s defense. Ferdinand highlighted how De Ligt’s decision-making and physical presence have given the team confidence. “He’s assertive, brave, and intelligent in his positioning,” Ferdinand said. “You can see the rest of the defense feed off his composure.”
Attention then turned to Bryan Mbeumo, United’s summer signing from Brentford, whose explosive performances have captured the imagination of fans and pundits alike. Ferdinand described Mbeumo as “a joke” — a compliment he reserves for players performing at an elite level. “Mbeumo has been a revelation,” he said. “He’s stepped in, become a mainstay, and offers the kind of energy and precision United have lacked on the wings. He gives the team time on the ball, creates chances, and scores crucial goals when it matters most.”
The 25-year-old winger has quickly adapted to life at Old Trafford, delivering consistent performances marked by work rate, flair, and intelligence. Mbeumo’s ability to switch flanks, press relentlessly, and link up with Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha has made him a cornerstone of Amorim’s attacking blueprint. Ferdinand added, “Thomas Frank called him a ‘complete winger,’ and I agree. By the end of the season, he could easily be one of the most complete wide players in the Premier League. He just needs to keep doing it consistently in a red shirt.”
Beyond defense and attack, Ferdinand reserved special praise for United’s new goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, who has quickly established himself as a trusted figure between the posts. “You can’t talk about anyone being our most important player without mentioning the goalkeeper,” Ferdinand said firmly. “It’s no coincidence that our form has improved since we brought in a keeper the players actually trust.”
Lammens’ command of the box, quick distribution, and calmness under pressure have transformed United’s defensive stability. His ability to read the game and organize the backline has made him more than just a shot-stopper — he’s become a defensive leader. The Belgian’s confidence has spread throughout the squad, giving defenders freedom to play their natural game without fear of costly mistakes behind them.
The praise from Ferdinand reflects a wider recognition that Manchester United are finally starting to find rhythm under Amorim’s leadership. After a shaky start to the campaign, the Red Devils have put together a string of strong performances, rising in the Premier League table and reigniting belief among supporters. The blend of youth, experience, and tactical identity appears to be clicking at last.
Ferdinand, who captained United through many of its most successful years, knows the value of a cohesive spine in a winning team. “Every great side has its foundation — a dependable centre-back, a creative winger, and a goalkeeper the team believes in. Right now, those three — De Ligt, Mbeumo, and Lammens — are giving United that balance,” he explained.
United fans have echoed Ferdinand’s sentiment on social media, praising Amorim’s influence and the growing chemistry within the squad. The excitement surrounding the club’s progress is palpable, with supporters believing that a return to elite form may finally be underway.
As Ferdinand summed it up, Manchester United’s revival is not about one hero but a collection of key figures stepping up at the right time. “What I see now is a team playing for each other,” he concluded. “And that’s the first step toward becoming great again.”