---
title: "Manchester United: Matthijs de Ligt Steps Up Recovery Allaying Fears Over Injury"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/04/24/manchester-united-matthijs-de-ligt-steps-up-recovery-football-news/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Matt Guyett"
section: "Man Utd News"
published: "2026-04-24T08:45:35Z"
modified: "2026-04-24T08:48:39Z"
---

# Manchester United: Matthijs de Ligt Steps Up Recovery Allaying Fears Over Injury

- Manchester United give De Ligt update
- Dutch defender sidelined since December
- No return timeline given

**Matthijs de Ligt has been sidelined since December with a back injury and many[Manchester United](https://readmanutd.com/manchester-united-club-history-trophies-moments/)fans have feared it could seriously affect his career. Former head coach Ruben Amorim initially suggested it was a minor issue and that he’d be back at the turn of the year.**

The Dutch centre-back hasn’t returned to action since picking up the injury following a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on December 30th. His absence even led many to conclude that the club were eyeing a new defender to replace him this summer.

De Ligt hasn’t given much of an update on his situation as of now, which has further fuelled talk of his future in football. But the club have finally given fans the much-desired information about the Netherlands international’s rehabilitation.

## De Ligt Update

United have [confirmed](https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/matthijs-de-ligt-injury-news-april-2026?t=y&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=story&utm_campaign=club_news)that De Ligt is back, undergoing individual training, and even posted an image of the 26-year-old running on the pitch at Carrington. They wrote :

*“De Ligt is working on the grass doing some individual training. The centre-back is working individually and doing everything he can to return… De Ligt is focused on returning to full fitness, as of yet Michael Carrick has not disclosed a timescale when he is due to return to action.”*

> The hard work continues for [@MdeLigt\_04](https://twitter.com/mdeligt_04?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 💪\
> \
> Keep building, Matta — we're all right behind you! ❤️
>
> — Manchester United (@ManUtd) [April 24, 2026](https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/2047586608681988174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

The Dutchman has yet to make a single appearance under Carrick, who took over after he was injured. But he was a standout performer for the Reds before his time on the sidelines, appearing 14 times across competitions.

## Like a New Signing

De Ligt has been sorely missed by United, and when he does return, it will be a huge boost. It’s not known whether that will be before the end of the season, but he’s clearly working hard to try and make that happen.

The former Bayern Munich man is a leader, and his experience will prove valuable, especially if the Reds are back playing Champions League football next season. It will also be interesting to see how he fares under Carrick and whether or not he reclaims a starting berth.

Carrick has preferred Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in central defence since replacing Amorim. But the latter has endured constant injury issues, and Maguire’s game time will likely be handled carefully at this stage of his career.