The atmosphere around Manchester United is finally looking up after a string of impressive performances. Heading into the international break, the team finds itself on the heels of two consecutive victories, and more significantly, four strong displays, including hard-fought draws against Arsenal and Real Sociedad.

Scholes Changes Tune on De Ligt

Scholes has not held back when it came to de Ligt's performances in the past. His comments ranged from declaring de Ligt not fit for a league-winning squad to unfavorably comparing him to Harry Maguire. Yet, following de Ligt's recent resurgence, Scholes seems to have softened his stance—though with his signature caveat.

On a recent episode of "The Overlap," Scholes remarked, “I think he’s been a lot better, yeah. He’s done a lot better, of course, he has. I just… Man Utd are 13th. Last few weeks, we’ve looked better.” These words of praise from Scholes are significant given his previous scrutiny of the player.

While it's debatable how much of United's current league standing—13th—can be attributed directly to de Ligt, any acknowledgment from Scholes is a noteworthy milestone for the Dutch international.

The Misguided Criticism of De Ligt

Critics like Scholes have often painted an exaggerated narrative around de Ligt’s struggles, questioning why renowned clubs such as Bayern Munich and Juventus would allow him to leave. However, fans of those clubs would argue that de Ligt's departure was not as clear-cut as it seems, and his abilities were underappreciated.

Furthermore, while comparing de Ligt to Maguire may have some merit, it lacks a depth of context. De Ligt’s talent level is considered elite and does not truly compare to any current United player aside from Casemiro. His quality has always indicated that once he found his footing in a new, chaotic environment—with varying systems and roles—he would excel.

Looking Ahead: United’s Future

As the team continues to gel under Amorim's leadership, de Ligt's performance is an encouraging sign for Manchester United fans. The trajectory of his form could become crucial for the club as they aim to turn around what has been a disappointing season thus far.

Notably, de Ligt, valued initially for his defensive prowess, is now showing versatility. His ability to contribute to both defense and attack might spell a bright future for United, as they look to rise from the lower echelons of the Premier League table.

With changes on the horizon and players like de Ligt stepping up, the question remains: Could this be the turning point for Manchester United? Only time will tell, but the outlook is starting to look brighter. Keep your eye on Old Trafford!