Matthijs de Ligt doing everything he can to put injury struggles behind him | OneFootball

Matthijs de Ligt was at his very best in Manchester United colours at the start of the 2025–26 season.

He unleashed the defensive beast that lurked inside him, thwarting attacks before they materialised and giving opposing forwards a torrid time, always coming out on top in duels.

His brilliance saw him establish himself as the main man in defence, playing every minute of United’s first 13 Premier League matches and cementing his role at the heart of the Red Devils’ back line.

Truly, he had finally clicked at United, finally looking like a bargain given the club paid just £38.5 million to sign him.

Indeed, his brilliance earned him the club’s Player of the Month award for November.

And while that award should have propelled him towards a Player of the Season campaign, injury had other ideas.

De Ligt: Season-ending injury versus Palace

He suffered a back injury during United’s 2–1 win over Crystal Palace on 30 November 2025.

While the club initially expected him to return within weeks, the issue lingered for months and he eventually missed the rest of the season.

He and the club tried to avoid surgery, but in May, with no prospect of him returning and no realistic chance of making the Netherlands‘ World Cup squad, they opted to go under the knife.

All good on the recovery front

Now, more than a month on, The Sun have dropped an update on the defender’s situation.

They report that “De Ligt’s recovery is progressing according to plan. He is currently in Ibiza, balancing rest with targeted rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on a troublesome back issue last month.

“Sources indicate that his recovery is progressing smoothly, with the centre-back firmly targeting a return to action for the early stages of next season.”

Having never played under Michael Carrick, and with the former midfielder’s magical touch already getting the best out of United’s players, De Ligt will be relishing the chance to feature under the new United head coach.

He will be hoping to put his injury struggles firmly behind him, reclaim his spot in the side and help the 20-time English champions battle on multiple fronts as Champions League football returns to Old Trafford.

With De Ligt back and Lisandro Martínez looking to have rediscovered his best, United’s defence next season will be one to envy.

Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social