Matthijs de Ligt returns to Manchester United after months

Matthijs de Ligt resumed group training at Manchester United on Monday, his first appearance since November 30, 2025, when he last featured for the club in the 1‑2 defeat to Crystal Palace. United face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Return after injury

The 27‑year‑old Dutchman is still struggling with a persistent back injury that has kept him out of action for almost an entire calendar year. Because of that injury he missed the World Cup in the United States last summer and has not logged any competitive minutes since the match against Crystal Palace.

De Ligt has already earned 52 caps, but Manchester United remains extremely cautious and does not want to take any risk with the international defender. At the end of August assistant manager Michael Carrick gave a positive update: “It’s great to have him back. He’s in good condition and moving in the right direction. That’s a real bonus for us.”

Preparation for the Champions League

United are now preparing for the away match against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, but it remains unclear whether De Ligt will be included in the matchday squad. Carrick will be able to provide more clarity on the defender’s availability during the press conference ahead of the fixture.

Former Ajax player Noussair Mazraoui will also not feature; the 28‑year‑old defender was injured during the international break with Morocco and will therefore miss the clash with the Spanish top club.

Other absentees and team status

Although De Ligt was spotted on the training pitch on Monday, he is expected to still be unavailable for the upcoming match against Hull City. He was present at Old Trafford last weekend for the game against Tottenham Hotspur, but did not sit on the bench.

Manchester United continues to monitor De Ligt’s situation closely and hopes the defender can return to full fitness soon, so he can once again take a regular role in the defence.