After three months out with a persistent back issue, De Ligt targets a March return but finding a spot in United’s new-look back four won’t be easy.
Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt is finally nearing the end of his injury nightmare, but the team he returns to in March will be “unrecognisable” from the one he left in November.
The 26-year-old Dutchman has been sidelined since United’s win over Crystal Palace on November 30. What was initially described by then-manager Ruben Amorim as a “small thing” has spiraled into a 12-week absence, leaving fans questioning the true nature of his back injury.
The Mystery of the ‘Short’ Absence
The intrigue surrounding De Ligt’s fitness began in December when Amorim predicted he would be fit for Wolves a game that took place nearly three months ago. Since then, three different coaching regimes (Amorim, Fletcher, and now Carrick) have struggled to put a definitive timescale on his return.
Reports from Carrington suggest there hasn’t been one major setback, but rather a recurring pain that flares up every time the defender nears a return to the grass. United are now taking a “zero-risk” approach to avoid a long-term chronic issue.
Tactical Hurdle: Two vs. Three
When De Ligt last played, he was a pillar in Amorim’s back-three system. Under Michael Carrick, United have reverted to a traditional back-four, meaning there is now one less spot available in central defense.
The Competition for the XI:
- Harry Maguire: Experiencing a “career rebirth” under Carrick and currently the first name on the teamsheet.
- Lisandro Martinez: The preferred left-sided partner, expected back from a calf injury shortly.
- Leny Yoro: The 20-year-old prodigy who has found his form and looks like the future of the club.
World Cup at Stake?
With only 11 Premier League games remaining, time is running out for De Ligt to prove his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. After missing 11 separate periods due to minor injuries since 2022, the Dutch international is reportedly determined to listen to his body this time, even if it means missing a few more weeks to ensure he is “peak fit” for the summer.
Injury History: A Growing Concern?
| Period | Injury | Games Missed |
| Dec 2025 – Mar 2026 | Back (Current) | 15+ |
| 2023 – 2025 | Various Minor | 11 Absences |
| 2020 | Shoulder | 17 |
The Verdict
De Ligt remains a world-class asset, but his absence has allowed the Maguire-Martinez partnership to flourish. As United chase a Champions League spot, De Ligt’s first challenge isn’t just getting healthy—it’s convincing Michael Carrick to break up a winning defense.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
