Matthijs de Ligt: Man United make key decision on Dutch defender | OneFootball

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt’s prolonged absence this season has raised concerns among fans. The Dutch defender arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 as Raphael Varane’s replacement.

The French defender left as a free agent that summer after helping the club lift the FA Cup in his final appearance. United wanted a capable figure to take over from the four-time Champions League winner and found their man in De Ligt.

The Dutchman won the Golden Boy award in 2018 and the Kopa Trophy the following year, and was once regarded as one of the best young footballers in the world. He had already garnered extensive trophy-winning experience with Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich when he arrived in England.

The Red Devils believed they had managed a coup by convincing the Bavarians to part ways with their prized asset. De Ligt enjoyed a decent debut campaign, and was outstanding in the first half of this campaign, before a back injury derailed his season.

De Ligt’s 2025/26 Campaign

De Ligt started the season as part of the back three in former head coach Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, and was arguably one of the best defenders in the Premier League. He started the first 13 Premier League games, playing every minute and even scoring a late equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

His form saw him win United’s Player of the Month for November, but disaster struck soon after. The Dutchman was sidelined with a back injury at the start of December and has been out of action ever since.

Matthijs de Ligt Premier League Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Premier League website.

In his absence, the Red Devils went through a significant change, with Amorim losing his job and Michael Carrick appointed as caretaker manager until the end of the season. The Premier League giants also abandoned the Portuguese head coach’s 3-4-3 system in favour of a 4-2-3-1 formation.

The Red Devils are third in the league table with six games left in the season and have a good chance of qualifying for next campaign’s Champions League. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person suggested that De Ligt could be back in action before the end of the season, and an update on his situation has now emerged.

United willing to be patient with De Ligt

According to The iPaper, United are optimistic about having De Ligt back before the end of the season. The report states: “Well-placed sources are keen to stress there are no setbacks, as is often reported, with this type of injury. United’s medical staff are aware that with back injuries, you have good and bad days.”

“Any condition related to the nervous system has these kinds of issues. Nothing especially aggravates the discomfort; it just happens this way with back injuries. There is hope that the 26-year-old can return to action before the end of the campaign.”

With Lisandro Martinez likely to be suspended for three games after his straight red card against Leeds United, the Red Devils are missing the Dutch defender right now. Leny Yoro has also struggled in recent games, and De Ligt’s potential return to action could also be a big boost in the club’s pursuit of a top-four place.

However, the report goes on to suggest that United will not rush De Ligt back into action this season unless he returns to full fitness, adding: “If he is not ready, De Ligt will not be rushed back, however. Sources are adamant that the club will take the long-term view, and if they have to wait until next season to make sure he is fully recovered, they will.”

Final Thoughts

While United’s season hangs in the balance following the defeat to Leeds United earlier this week, there is no point in rushing De Ligt and ruining his recovery process. Instead, it is time for the Red Devils to put their trust in the young pairing of Yoro and Ayden Heaven, especially against Chelsea this weekend when Harry Maguire will also be unavailable due to suspension.

Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images

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