Rúben Amorim has provided the latest surrounding Matthijs de Ligt after the Netherlands defender was forced off due to injury against Brentford.
Manchester United slumped to a record 16th Premier League defeat of the season on Sunday afternoon, as Rúben Amorim’s side were edged out 4-3 by Brentford in a chaotic encounter at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The hosts started on the front foot, putting goalkeeper Altay Bayındır under early pressure. But it was United who opened the scoring, with Mason Mount finishing off a flowing move involving Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
Brentford hit back swiftly, equalising through Mikkel Damsgaard as his shot deflected in off Luke Shaw. Kevin Schade then headed home at the far post to give the hosts a 2-1 lead before the interval.
In the second half, Amad and Leny Yoro came on for Shaw and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, but Brentford continued to push forward. Schade scored his second from a Bryan Mbeumo delivery, and Yoane Wissa added a fourth moments later.
United responded with a spirited late rally—Garnacho curled in a superb goal from distance, and Amad fired in during stoppage time—but it wasn’t enough to salvage a result, as Brentford held on to claim all three points.
De Ligt forced off vs Brentford
With Brentford gaining their lead after a little over 30 minutes played, there was controversy on the pitch due to Matthijs de Ligt going down with a clear injury just moments prior.
Although the referee did not stop the tie as De Ligt’s injury was not a head wound, this did not stop complaints from United’s players, with Mount leading the charge of arguments as Schade nodded in Brentford’s second of the game.
With the home side celebrating their lead-taking effort, De Ligt was then hobbled off the pitch with a clear injury to his ankle during what was his first start back in the side after missing the last month due to injury.
He was then replaced by Harry Maguire, who went on to have a rather quiet performance, with one eye certainly on the second leg of the Europa League semi-final clash against Athletic Club.
Amorim provides De Ligt injury update
After the game, De Ligt was then spotted leaving the stadium limping, but without the need for crutches or a protective boot, and managed to walk to the team bus unaided.
Speaking after the fixture, Amorim provided fans with the latest surrounding the 25-year-old following the full-time whistle in West London.
“I don’t know, so I’m really concerned – not about Thursday,” Amorim told Sky Sports. The head coach went on to suggest that De Ligt was never in contention to play against Athletic Club in midweek, with Shaw the likely candidate to start.
“We took off Luke Shaw at half-time to protect and have players for Thursday, but I’m more concerned whether it is a small or big injury and thinking about next season.”
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