Matthijs De Ligt - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Involved in training De Ligt (back) remains out but manager Michael Carrick highlighted his return to training in Thursday's press conference before Saturday's EPL opener against Hull City. "Matta's ob...

Impact De Ligt barely played in the 2025/26 season due to a nagging back injury, and while the center-back is not ready to feature yet, he seems to be trending in the right direction. De Ligt could be ready to return around the September international break, with Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven all being options to provide cover at center-back while the Dutchman remains sidelined.

15 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Takes part in training session De Ligt (back) was involved in Tuesday's session with Manchester United's squad at Carrington, according to Danyal Khan.

Impact De Ligt's participation comes after a back issue had limited him to individual work in recent weeks, following a spell where he managed just 15 minutes with the group before continuing on his own. His recovery has reportedly progressed well, with hopes of a return to competitive action around October still in play. De Ligt is expected to compete for a starting role at center back alongside Harry Maguire and Lenny Yoro once he's back to full fitness. Today's session marks another step in that direction as United monitor his progress closely.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Starts to individually train De Ligt (back) has started to train individually after doing the first 15 minutes of a session with his teammates, according to his club.

Impact De Ligt traveled with a few other United players to County Kildare as they continue offseason preparations. He would then join the team for 15 minutes of training before going off by himself, starting to work on the training pitches again, even if it is only individually. The bright news is that his recovery is going well, hopeful to return to action sometime near October.

AUGUST 10 • ROTOWIRE

Matthijs de Ligt Issues Emotional Statement as Man United Star's World Cup Dream Ends

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has seen his season and World Cup dreams come to an end after undergoing surgery on a persistent...

MAY 16 • FOX SPORTS

Matthijs de Ligt Issues Emotional Statement as Man United Star's World Cup Dream Ends

Undergoes back surgery De Ligt (back) has undergone surgery on his back and is expected to return in the "early stages of the 2026/27 season," according to the player, per Tyrone Marshall of the Manchest...

Impact De Ligt has had a rough season due to injury and will put an end to it by receiving further work, with the defender getting surgery on his long-standing back injury. This will push the defender out into next season, not set to return until early in the season, likely around September or October. The hope will be that this operation puts the issues behind him as he tries to finish a season without injury, only an option for 13 appearances this season due to the brutally long absence.

MAY 15 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out De Ligt (back) is set to remain unavailable for the upcoming fixture, according to coach Michael Carrick.

Impact De Ligt's continued absence leaves Manchester United short of defensive options heading into the final stretch of the season. Lisandro Martinez is available again after suspension, which provides some relief at center-back, though the Dutch defender's unavailability means coach Michael Carrick will need to continue managing his defensive resources carefully. No return timeline has been provided, leaving his availability for the remaining fixtures uncertain.

MAY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Still not ready De Ligt (back) is not an option and remains a way from a return, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Matta is still a little bit further [off] and not involved in the game."

Impact De Ligt has been starting to train some by returning to running on grass, but remains away from the team, still needing more time to train. This leaves him with only three more games to return this campaign, leaving him as a close call to make the field again this season. More importantly for the defender, he is likely trying to be fit in time for the World Cup and not risk further injury.

MAY 1 • ROTOWIRE

'No pressure' for Matthijs de Ligt to return to Man Utd action this season as Michael Carrick delivers new injury update

Michael Carrick has confirmed that Manchester United will not rush Matthijs de Ligt back into action before the end of the season despite th...

APRIL 27 • goal

'No pressure' for Matthijs de Ligt to return to Man Utd action this season as Michael Carrick delivers new injury update

Lisandro Martinez appeal verdict: Man Utd learn how many games Argentine defender will miss for hair pull on Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Manchester United have failed in their attempt to overturn Lisandro Martinez's red card following a hair-pulling incident involving Leeds Un...

APRIL 24 • goal

Lisandro Martinez appeal verdict: Man Utd learn how many games Argentine defender will miss for hair pull on Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Spotted running on grass De Ligt (back) was spotted running on the grass in soccer boots alongside the physio, marking an encouraging step forward in his recovery from the injury that has sidelined him sin...

Impact De Ligt had only recently been confirmed as still not on the grass at all, making his progression to outdoor running a meaningful development in what has been an extraordinarily lengthy absence. The Dutchman is still working individually rather than with the group, but getting back outside in boots is a significant milestone that points toward a return in the coming weeks. Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire have been covering at center-back during his prolonged spell on the sidelines, and Manchester United will be hoping to have De Ligt back in the fold before the season concludes.

APRIL 24 • ROTOWIRE

Still not training on grass De Ligt (back) remains in rehabilitation and is not yet training on grass, leaving him several weeks away from a return, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Treatment and rehab. T...

Impact De Ligt has been sidelined since November with a back injury and his absence from the Dublin training camp is a clear indication that his return is still some way off. The Dutchman's prolonged absence has left Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire as United's main center-back options, and with Martinez himself only just returning from injury, coach Mickael Carrick will be hoping De Ligt can get back on the grass soon to bolster a defensive unit that has been stretched for much of the campaign.

APRIL 11 • ROTOWIRE

Transfer News, Rumors: Man Utd's $135 Million Hijack; Raphinha Pushed Towards Barcelona Exit Matthijs de Ligt, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Alisson and Michael Olise all feature in the gossip.

APRIL 9 • SI.COM

Not training yet De Ligt (back) is still absent from the team's work during their training camp in Dublin.

Impact De Ligt is struggling to completely overcome a back problem that has prevented him from playing since November. Thus, the defender will likely miss at least a few more games before bouncing back to game action. Meanwhile, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez (calf) and, once he serves his ban, Harry Maguire, will be the squad's main center-back options.

APRIL 8 • ROTOWIRE

Working on comeback De Ligt (back) remains working on his comeback and is still at least a few weeks away from returning, according to manager Mickael Carrick. ""He's obviously trying to work to get b...

Impact De Ligt is still progressing through his back injury and remains outside the group, having yet to even be reported training with his teammates. This has been a rough spell for the defender as he now just hopes he can see the field in April, or else it will be a close call to even return this season. With United seeing a recent boost under new management, the defender will be eager to get back and stake his claim as one of the better defenders in the world, last playing Nov. 30.

MARCH 18 • ROTOWIRE

New deal for Harry Maguire? Man United defender may not hit free agency as Michael Carrick drops contract hint

Michael Carrick has hinted that Manchester United may offer center back Harry Maguire a new deal at Old Trafford. Maguire's current contract...

FEBRUARY 28 • goal

New deal for Harry Maguire? Man United defender may not hit free agency as Michael Carrick drops contract hint

What's going on with Matthijs de Ligt? Michael Carrick gives update on Dutch defender amid three-month absence as Man Utd coach says other injured player ready for 'big finish'

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has given an update on Matthijs de Ligt as the Dutchman continues his recovery from a back injury. Th...

FEBRUARY 27 • goal

What's going on with Matthijs de Ligt? Michael Carrick gives update on Dutch defender amid three-month absence as Man Utd coach says other injured player ready for 'big finish'

Recovering slow, still a bit behind De Ligt (back) is still working toward a return and will likely not be ready for another few weeks to a month, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Matthijs, he's had a back issu...

Impact De Ligt is still not nearing a return as his back issue takes a bit longer to heal, still yet to see any type of training. This will likely leave a return for the defender a good few weeks to a month away, just hoping to have him fit for a decent chunk of the end of the season. He has yet to play since Nov. 30, a brutal loss of play for the defender and club.

FEBRUARY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Michael Carrick telling off Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Coach says Man Utd players and staff 'understand responsibilities' after co-owner's controversial comments on immigration

Michael Carrick has said that Manchester United players and staff must understand the responsibility they have as representatives of one of...

FEBRUARY 20 • goal

Michael Carrick telling off Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Coach says Man Utd players and staff 'understand responsibilities' after co-owner's controversial comments on immigration

Still progressing De Ligt (back) is out for Monday's match against Everton and is likely out another game as well, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Matta, a little bit working towards it, but...

Impact De Ligt is still working towards a return to play after a back injury has left him out since November, a brutal run for the defender. He is likely to remain out another two games, including the Everton match, as he remains behind Mason Mount in terms of recovery, and Mount is out to face the Toffees as well. Once De Ligt is fit, a starting role should be waiting, not missing a single start until his injury.

FEBRUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Impact De Ligt is in around the same situation he was in before their last game, and is still working for a return, not an option to face West Ham on Tuesday, but eying a return against Everton on Feb. 23. However, it appears he will be a close call for the game, potentially missing out if he still needs time. The club waits for his return after their mid-season resurgence under new management, as he hadn't missed a start all season up until the injury.

FEBRUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Inching closer to return De Ligt (back) is inching closer to a return but won't be an option to face Tottenham on Saturday, manager Michael Carrick told media during Thursday's press conference. "Matta [De...

Impact De Ligt won't be available to face the Spurs, and it seems the quick turnaround against West Ham on Feb. 10 will also come too soon for the defender. The Dutchman is progressing well, though, and he could be ready to be an option for defensive depth in the next few weeks. He'd have to compete with Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire for minutes at center-back, though.

FEBRUARY 5 • ROTOWIRE

Michael Carrick confirms worst Patrick Dorgu fears with Man United defender set for extended period out with injury

Michael Carrick has confirmed that Patrick Dorgu is facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury against Arsenal last...

JANUARY 30 • goal

Michael Carrick confirms worst Patrick Dorgu fears with Man United defender set for extended period out with injury

Man Utd yet to open formal Harry Maguire extension talks as Serie A and Turkish Super League clubs make contact with veteran defender's agent

Harry Maguire faces an uncertain future at Manchester United with the club yet to open formal talks over a contract extension. The defender,...

JANUARY 28 • goal

Man Utd yet to open formal Harry Maguire extension talks as Serie A and Turkish Super League clubs make contact with veteran defender's agent

No timetable to return De Ligt (back) won't play against Arsenal on Sunday and doesn't have an exact timeline for a return, manager Michael Carrick told media Friday. "I think it was just a little bit sl...

Impact De Ligt hasn't played since Nov. 30, and this will be his 11th straight absence across all competitions. The Dutchman is likely a few weeks away from returning, according to Carrick, but he seems to be trending in the right direction. He'll compete for a spot at center-back alongside Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez once he's back to full fitness.

JANUARY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Michael Carrick's motivation, Kobbie Mainoo's point to prove and six reasons to believe Man United will finish in the Premier League's top four

Even though they had waited three years to beat Manchester City at Old Trafford and far longer to do so with such authority, Manchester Unit...

JANUARY 21 • goal

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