Matthijs De Ligt’s prolonged injury has received a positive update with a potential Premier League return date in mind
Matthijs De Ligt has yet to feature in Manchester United’s match day squad under interim manager Michael Carrick. The Dutchman has been sidelined with a prolonged injury to his lower back.
De Ligt last featured in United’s 2-1 Victory against Crystal Palace back in November, before the end of the Ruben Amorim era.
United have been flying high as of late with Carrick steering the ship. The Red Devil’s have secured 13 points out of a possible 15 in the Premier League with the core duo of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez remaining at the back.
However, with De Ligt making progress, a return date has entered conversations in the hope that the 26-year-old can still make Ronald Koeman’s 2026 World Cup squad for the Netherlands.
De Ligt set to return next month
As The Sun reports, De Ligt has his eyes set on a return next month as United aim to secure a spot in the Champions League next season.
The defender was close to a return last month but suffered a minor set back which will see him sidelined for a while longer.
De Ligt was a staple-piece of Amorim’s side and has been a bright light in a disappointing Man United side since his arrival from Bayern Munich.
In his last press conference, Carrick revealed the latest on De Ligt and how soon fans could expect to see a return.
“Matta, we’ll see how he develops over the, you know… The Everton game feels like a long time away at the moment, so we’ll see how he develops, but he’s positive; he’s moving in the right direction, but Mason’s a little bit closer than him.”
With questions in the air about De Ligt’s availability against Everton, United’s following fixture falls on March 1st, against Crystal Palace, the last team the Dutch defender faced.
Where will De Ligt fit in the team?
Since the appointment of Carrick, Maguire and Martinez have been a formidable duo together, playing almost every minute under the former Middlesborough manager.
Carrick would find it hard to drop either of the pair, especially since Untied’s starting 11 has only changed under Carrick due to the injury Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, who opened up a spot for Matheus Cunha.
Amorim’s persistent 3-4-2-1 system has been left in the past, much to the relief of many United fans, so there will only be space for two centre-backs to start for United.
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Carrick has been far less prone to making defensive substitutions as well. This has led to limited minutes for the likes of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, particularly with no other competitions for United to compete for.
Regardless, United’s pursue of Champions League football continues and if Carrick can keep them in winning ways, fans can remain optimistic.
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