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Posted on March 26, 2026 8:00 pm | Updated on March 26, 2026 5:52 pm
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Manchester United fans are worried about defender Matthijs de Ligt as his injury drags on. The Dutch center back has been out since late November 2025 with a back problem. What started as a small issue has become a long headache for the team. the head coach of Man United, Michael Carrick, recently gave an honest update that has left many questions unanswered.
The Injury Problem
De Ligt, 26, picked up the back injury during a match against Crystal Palace on November 30. At first, the club thought he would only miss about a week. But the problem turned out to be more complicated than expected.
He has now been sidelined for nearly four months and has missed over 20 football matches. The former Bayern Munich star was a regular starter before the injury, playing in every early Premier League match. His absence has left a gap in United’s defence at a tough time for the club.
Back injuries are tricky because they can feel better one day and worse the next. De Ligt has been going to the training ground regularly for treatment, but he has not yet returned to full training on the grass.
Carrick’s Honest Admission
Michael Carrick, the current Man United head coach, spoke openly in a recent press conference. He admitted that the team has no clear timeline for De Ligt’s return.
“It’s difficult to say, just because it’s taken that much time,” Carrick said. He explained that back problems can suddenly feel okay and then flare up again. The manager said the club is being patient and working carefully to avoid making things worse.
Carrick refused to guarantee that De Ligt will play again before the end of the 2025-26 season. With only a handful of games left, this honest update worried fans. He added that the recovery is not happening as fast as everyone hoped, but the player is improving slowly.
The coach stressed he is not hiding anything and that the medical team is trying to get the balance right between rest and progress.
Fresh Update Emerges
After Carrick’s comments, a new report brought some hope. According to sources close to the situation, De Ligt himself is still positive and aiming to return before the season finishes in May.
His back seemed to be improving, which is why neither the player nor the club went for surgery. He continues to report for treatment at Carrington and is pushing hard to make a comeback in the final weeks.
This fresh update suggests the door is not fully closing on a late-season return. However, experts know that back issues need careful handling. Rushing him back too soon could lead to another setback.
What It Means for Manchester United
De Ligt’s long absence has forced Man United to rely on other centre-backs. The defence has looked shaky at times without his strong presence and leadership. If he misses the rest of the season, it would be a big blow. But even a short return could help the team in the closing matches. For next season, the club will hope he can come back fully fit and strong.
Carrick has shown patience, which is important for such injuries. Injuries like this are part of football, but they test the squad’s depth. United must manage the situation smartly to protect their player and keep their defensive plans on track.
Future Ahead
De Ligt is a top-quality defender when fit. Everyone at the club wants him back healthy and ready to help the team fight for better results. With two months still left in the campaign, there is still a chance for a positive ending to this injury story.
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Debanjan Mallick
Debanjan Mallick is a Senior Football Writer at Six Sports, delivering expert coverage of football matches, player performances, and tactical developments. With substantial experience in football journalism, he focuses on providing detailed analysis and feature articles that engage readers and offer deeper insights into the sport. Through his contributions to Six Sports, Debanjan produces comprehensive football content, including match breakdowns, tactical evaluations, and analytical features. His writing blends clarity with expertise, making him a reliable source for fans seeking high-quality football coverage.
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