Manchester United have kicked off their pre-season preparations, and while many of the club’s senior stars who missed the World Cup have reported back to Carrington, one notable absentee from the training photos was centre-back Matthijs de Ligt. However, The Manchester Evening News has confirmed that the 26-year-old Dutch international is indeed at the newly revamped training complex, following an individual program as he continues his recovery from back surgery.
De Ligt underwent surgery in May 2026 after a persistent back injury forced him to miss the second half of the 2025-26 season. The former Ajax captain had hoped to represent the Netherlands at the World Cup, but the injury prevented him from earning a call-up, leading to the decision to go under the knife. The operation was successful, and United officials are reportedly satisfied with the pace of his rehabilitation, expressing confidence that the worst is behind him.
A Career Marked by Promise and Setbacks
Matthijs de Ligt burst onto the scene as a teenage prodigy at Ajax, captaining the side to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 before securing a high-profile move to Juventus. At just 19 years old, he was already seen as one of the most promising defenders in world football. His time in Turin was solid, winning Serie A and Coppa Italia, but injuries began to take a toll. A move to Bayern Munich in 2022 was intended to stabilise his career, yet fitness issues continued to hamper his progress. Despite this, he helped Bayern win a Bundesliga title and performed admirably in the Champions League.
United signed de Ligt in the summer of 2024 for a fee reported to be in the region of £50 million, reuniting him with former Ajax teammate and now United boss Michael Carrick. However, his Old Trafford tenure has been interrupted by various knocks, and the back injury that required surgery was the most severe. De Ligt has yet to play under Carrick due to the timing of the operation, but his determination to regain full fitness is evident.
United’s Defensive Vulnerability
While the focus at Carrington this summer has been on strengthening the midfield, the defensive line remains a concern. Manager Michael Carrick knows that an injury to any of his key centre-backs could expose the team. Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Harry Maguire have all struggled with their own fitness records. Martinez has missed significant chunks of last season with foot and muscle problems, Shaw’s hamstring issues have become a recurring theme, and Maguire’s history of groin and hip complaints is well documented.
It is surprising that INEOS, United’s ownership group, have not prioritised adding to the backline given these uncertainties. The Red Devils let go of veteran defenders like Raphael Varane last season and did not bring in a like-for-like replacement. With de Ligt expected to be sidelined for the first few months of the new campaign, the burden will fall on Martinez, Maguire, and young prospects like Victor Lindelof and Teden Mengi. However, if another injury strikes, United could face a crisis.
Rehabilitation and Road Ahead
According to the latest reports, de Ligt has been working abroad since his surgery but has also made regular visits to Carrington during the summer. The club’s medical staff have designed an individual program to rebuild his strength and mobility, focusing on core stability and back conditioning. There is cautious optimism that he will be able to return to full training before the end of August, though he will likely miss the first few weeks of the Premier League season.
De Ligt’s return will be a major boost for Carrick, who values ball-playing centre-backs capable of building from the back. The Dutchman’s composure and passing range make him an ideal fit for United’s evolving style. He is also a vocal leader, something the defence has lacked since the departure of Harry Maguire from the captaincy.
The Netherlands team, under coach Ronald Koeman, will also keep a close eye on his progress. With the European Championships on the horizon in 2028, de Ligt will be desperate to reclaim his place alongside Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the Dutch defence. His absence from the World Cup was a blow, but a strong comeback could reignite his international career.
What This Means for Manchester United
Pre-season has already seen a few surprises, including the absence of Benjamin Sesko and Karl Darlow from the squad that will travel to Finland for a friendly against Wrexham. But de Ligt’s situation remains one of the most closely watched. United fans are eager to see their £50 million investment finally fulfill its potential after a stop-start first two seasons.
The club’s medical staff are taking a cautious approach, understanding that back injuries can be tricky. They are not rushing him back, preferring to ensure he is 100% fit before integrating him into team training. That patience could pay off in the long term, as a fully fit de Ligt could form a formidable partnership with Martinez.
Outside of de Ligt, United are also navigating other injury concerns. Manuel Ugarte recently underwent knee surgery, leaving a midfield void that Carrick must address. Reports suggest that Sander Berge of Fulham is now a serious target, with the club also linked to Ederson of Atalanta and Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid. Strengthening the midfield is the priority, but Carrick cannot ignore the defensive fragility.
Luke Shaw’s left-back role is also under scrutiny. Although he has been training, his history of hamstring problems means the club may seek cover. Carlos Augusto of Inter Milan has been mentioned as a potential signing, but no deal is imminent.
Historical Context: United’s Injury Curse
Old Trafford has been plagued by debilitating injuries in recent years. From Marcus Rashford’s shoulder issues to Anthony Martial’s recurring knocks, the treatment room has often been overflowing. Under Carrick, the emphasis has shifted to sports science and load management, but the results are yet to fully show. De Ligt’s case is a test of that new approach.
If the rehabilitation goes as planned, de Ligt could return in September, just as the Premier League season hits its stride. That would be a huge lift for a squad aiming to break back into the top four after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign that saw them finish sixth.
Meanwhile, the recommendations from the original article – such as the story about Frenkie de Jong’s knee injury at Barcelona – highlight the broader challenges facing elite clubs in managing player fitness. De Ligt’s situation is a microcosm of that bigger picture.
In the end, Matthijs de Ligt’s presence at Carrington, even on an individual program, signals that the road to recovery is progressing well. The next few weeks will be critical, and United fans will be watching closely. If he can stay fit, he has the potential to become the leader at the back that the club has been missing since Rio Ferdinand’s heyday.
Source: Yahoo Sports News