Manchester United have been dealt a major blow as Matthijs de Ligt has officially been ruled out of the Europa League final against Tottenham due to a lingering foot injury picked up in April. Despite hopes he could return after resuming full training, club doctors have confirmed the Dutch defender isn’t fit to play in the final.
This development is especially bitter for De Ligt, who had been eager for a rematch against Tottenham — the same club that ended his Champions League dream with Ajax in 2019. Missing this clash in Bilbao adds another layer of personal disappointment.
De Ligt’s absence compounds United’s defensive problems, with Lisandro Martínez and Leny Yoro also sidelined. Manager Ruben Amorim now faces a tough decision in reshaping his backline, with options like Lindelöf, Kambwala, or even a deep-lying Casemiro on the table.
The Europa League final kicks off at 8 PM UK time on May 21 at San Mamés Stadium. Fans can watch live for free on Discovery+ (for new users), with additional coverage on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.
Despite the setback, the final offers a huge opportunity for United’s other players to rise to the occasion and secure Champions League qualification — a major milestone in Amorim’s first season and a key objective for INEOS.
Would you like a tactical breakdown of how United might line up without De Ligt or a match preview with key battles?
