SullyTalkz Exclusive: The Dutch defender’s arduous recovery nears its end at Carrington, while long-awaited returns for Amad and Carlos Baleba promise to revitalise Michael Carrick’s struggling tactical setup.
Matthijs de Ligt deserves another chance at Man Utd!
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Matthijs de Ligt has not played a minute of football for Manchester United for ten and a half months after suffering a back injury last season.
The Dutch international started all 13 of United's opening 13 Premier League fixtures last campaign, but after playing the full fixture of a 2-1 away win against Crystal Palace at the end of October, he suffered an injury that Rúben Amorim said would keep him out for a few weeks.
However, as the weeks turned into months, the Dutchman suffered mulitple problems in his lower back. Although he initially chose not to ungergo surgary in a bit to play before the season ended, as May drew closer, it was decided he would udner go the operation.
Since, then, De Ligt has trained with his teammates a few times, with reports suggesting he is due to return to action in October or November.
Sources: De Ligt training on grass
Roundtable now understands that on Monday, following the Manchester Derby, the 27-year-old underwent an individual training session on grass at Carrington as he closes in on a return to the pitch.
United's players had a day off following the controversial 1-0 defeat against Manchester City, but this did not stop the Dutchman from continuing to monitor and improve his recovery.
It is understood that the De Ligt has not suffered any sort of setback, but that he is just being managed really carefully, much like Carlos Baleba.
Roundtable reported on Sunday afternoon that United are targeting next month's away fixture against Leeds United, on 18 October, as the occasion for the Cameroon international to finally make his long-awaited debut.
Baleba continues to follow his individual training plan, and it is also thought that Amad is recovering well from an injury that has kept him out of all five of United's fixtures so far this campaign.
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Carrick will benefit from three major returns
It is not hard to see that United have had an underwhelming start to the season under Michael Carrick, with the side having won just one of their opening four league fixtures and a 4-0 win in the Champions League against an inferior Sabah FK side.
However, when De Ligt, Amad, and Baleba can return to action, that could create a whole new and improved dynamic for Michael Carrick to choose from.
De Ligt's return would be a very welcome leadership boost in the back line, considering the inconsistent form of Harry Maguire and the inexperience of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven with respect to 50-60-game seasons.
Amad performed well in pre-season and last campaign on the right flank, and his injury forced Bryan Mbeumo to vacate the striker position he had been operating well in in the summer, and his return will give Carrick new options.
Baleba, who was brought in to replace Casemiro as the club's chief defensive midfielder, will finally be able to settle in and start playing after the international break, which may bring in much-needed defensive ability.