Manchester United fans have every reason to smile as Matthijs de Ligt’s long-awaited return to competitive football appears to be moving closer. 👀🔴
The Dutch centre-back has been sidelined for a lengthy period with a serious back problem that eventually required surgery, and he has not featured for United since November 2025. But now, there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel. 🏥➡️⚽
De Ligt has returned to training with his teammates and is reportedly making encouraging progress. United are increasingly confident that the defender could become available after the upcoming international break later this month.
That would be a massive boost for Michael Carrick, especially with United back in the Champions League and facing a demanding run of fixtures. The club are currently managing defensive absences, making the return of an experienced centre-back particularly valuable. 🔥🏆
The latest reports suggest United are taking a cautious approach. After such a long spell on the sidelines and following back surgery, De Ligt will need to rebuild his match fitness gradually rather than being thrown straight into intense competitive action.
But the signs are increasingly positive. 💯
United’s current defensive options include players such as Lisandro Martínez, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven, but having De Ligt back would give Carrick another physical, experienced and composed option at the heart of the defence.
🚨 The potential timeline is now clear: De Ligt is targeting a return around September, with September 20 currently listed as a potential comeback date by injury trackers.
After months of uncertainty, the sight of De Ligt back on the pitch could be one of United’s biggest boosts of the early season. 🔴🧱
👀 Manchester United fans, are you excited to see Matthijs de Ligt back in action?
🔥🔴 The comeback is getting closer!