Manchester United have been handed an injury boost ahead of the Premier League clash against Leeds United.

Manchester United have been handed an injury boost ahead of their return to Premier League action next week. After the international break and FA Cup action, United are back in action next Monday when they host rivals Leeds United.

United were last in action on Friday, 20 March, when they had to settle for a point from a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. That result left United in third place in the Premier League table, one point above Aston Villa in fourth.

The match against Bournemouth also saw Harry Maguire shown a red card, meaning that he will be suspended for the match vs Leeds.

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The extra break has given some members of the United squad extra time to recover from any bumps, bruises or injuries. With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest from the United treatment room.

Patrick Dorgu

Injury: Hamstring

The full-back has missed the last eight Premier League games due to a hamstring injury sustained in the closing stages of the clash against Arsenal. He is now back doing individual work on the grass as he steps up his recovery from the injury.

Potential return date: Vs Liverpool (H), Sunday, 3 May

Bryan Mbeumo

Injury: Knock

The forward was withdrawn in the second half of the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth as a precaution. He then pulled out of the Cameroon squad over the international break.

Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April

Benjamin Sesko

Injury: Knock

Like Mbeumo, Sesko pulled out of international duty over the break. The striker has been dealing with a fitness concern over the last few weeks, but should be able to feature for United against Leeds.

Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April

Lisandro Martinez

Injury: Calf

The centre-back has missed the last five Premier League games due to the injury, but is closing in on a comeback.

What has been said: “[Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer. He’s getting there, so after this one. I think he’ll be alright.”

Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April

Matthijs de Ligt

Injury: Back

The defender has been out of action since November due to a back injury.

What has been said: “He’s obviously trying to work to get back but it’s just the back issue, really, that’s proving difficult. We’ll keep working as hard as we can, to get him back as quickly as we can.”

Potential return date: Unknown

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The March international break is in full swing with several Manchester United players remaining at Carrington over the next two weeks

Manchester United will have several players not on international duty over the next two weeks. As a result, those players will be expected to train at Carrington or work on their respective fitness or injury concerns.

United’s last match before the international break was the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last week, a result which leaves the Reds in third place in the Premier League table and one point above fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Michael Carrick and Co. are not back in Premier League action until April 13, when they will host Leeds United at Old Trafford. United do not have a game the weekend of April 4/5 due to not being involved in the FA Cup, with the quarter-finals taking centre stage.

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While several members of United’s squad are away with their respective national teams, some players are remaining at Carrington to train at the club’s base to maintain their fitness levels.

Patrick Dorgu is continuing to recover from a hamstring injury which has kept the defender on the sidelines since February. United posted a video on their official website of Dorgu working on his rehabilitation at Carrington.

Matthijs de Ligt (back) and Lisandro Martinez are also sidelined with injuries and will be working on their recovery during the international break.

United also confirmed that Bryan Mbeumo had been withdrawn from the Cameroon squad as a precaution, with the forward being withdrawn in the second half of their draw with Bournemouth last week. Before Mbeumo left the squad, the United player had been expected to feature in the friendly matches against Australia and China.

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Benjamin Sesko also withdrew from the Slovenia squad as he recovers from a minor fitness issue, with United hoping to have both players available after the international break.

Mason Mount and Luke Shaw were both not called up to the England squad for the friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan, while Tom Heaton is retired from international football.

Tyrell Malacia and Joshua Zirkzee were not called up by Ronald Koeman for the Netherlands squad for their round of international matches.

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Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Friday evening, a match in which they were dealt a bitter blow when Harry Maguire was sent off

Manchester United head into the March international break on the back of a 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth. Already fraught with injury, the Reds’ defence took a further blow when Harry Maguire was sent off during Friday evening’s trip to the Vitality Stadium.

United were held to a 2-2 draw by the Cherries during the encounter, but it was Stuart Attwell’s decision to show Maguire a red for denying Evanilson a goalscoring opportunity in his own box which dominated the headlines. It came on a day in which Maguire received a call-up to the England national team by Thomas Tuchel.

The 33-year-old is part of a 35-man England squad to take on Uruguay and Japan at the end of the month. However, he will now be ineligible to take part in United’s clash with Leeds come April 13 as a result of a one-match ban.

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It comes as added stress to an already stretched defence, given an abundance of injuries that United are currently dealing with. Here, the MEN breaks down who is currently sidelined for the Reds, and their potential return dates…

Patrick Dorgu

Patrick Dorgu has been recovering from a hamstring injury which he picked up against Arsenal at the turn of the year. He is not expected to return until April at the earliest.

Potential return date: April.

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Noussair Mazraoui

Noussair Mazraoui missed Manchester United’s trip to the south coast on Friday through illness, having also missed Wednesday’s training session. Carrick confirmed in his press conference: “[Dorgu] is a bit further down the line, but [Mazraoui] is just ill. He just wasn’t feeling too good today.”

Potential return date: April 13 vs United (H).

Matthijs De Ligt

Matthijs De Ligt has been ruled out of contention since November with a back injury. Speaking about the defender, Carrick said: “It’s difficult to say, just because it’s taken that much time. I can’t give you any more on it really. It’s one of those things with backs that sometimes you think it’s all right and then all of a sudden it’s not quite right.”

Potential return date: April 13 vs Leeds (H).

Lisandro Martinez

While Lisandro Martinez also missed the Bournemouth match through a calf injury, Carrick gave a promising update on the Argentine. He said: “Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer. He’s getting there, so after this one. I think he’ll be alright.”

Potential return date: April 13 vs Leeds (H).

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Manchester United face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Friday night, and both teams will have several players on the sidelines due to injury

Manchester United and Bournemouth will both have players on the sidelines when they meet in the Premier League on Friday night. The Reds will make the trip to the south coast to face the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium in the Friday Night Football as they continue their quest to qualify for the Champions League.

Michael Carrick steered United to a victory over Aston Villa in their last match in the Premier League, which boosted their hopes of finishing in the top four.

Next up in Bournemouth, which will give United the chance to extend the advantage over top-four rivals Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool ahead of the weekend’s round of fixtures.

However, Carrick will be forced to have some members of the United squad on the sidelines and unavailable for selection.

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Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined for United as he continues to recover from a back injury which has ruled the defender out since November, and Carrick has admitted he is unsure when a return to the matchday squad will happen.

“It’s difficult to say, just because it’s taken that much time,” Carrick said. “I can’t give you any more on it really. It’s one of those things with backs that sometimes you think it’s all right and then all of a sudden it’s not quite right.

“We’re just kind of being patient and working through it. We’ll just have to see. We’ll obviously give him time and try to get him back as quick as we can, but it’s really difficult to say. I’m not trying to hide anything, literally at the moment we don’t know so we’ll have to wait and see.

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“He’s improving, it’s not improving as quick as we all hope, but we’ll see how it goes.”

Patrick Dorgu is also unavailable for United as he recovers from a hamstring injury, and is not expected to return until next month at the earliest.

Noussair Mazraoui has also emerged as a doubt for United after Carrick confirmed the defender missing training on Wednesday with illness.

“[Dorgu] is a bit further down the line, but [Mazraoui] is just ill,” Carrick said. “He just wasn’t feeling too good today.”

Lisandro Martinez is also expected to miss United’s clash with Bournemouth with a calf injury, but Carrick provided an optimistic update earlier this week.

“[Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer,” he said. “He’s getting there, so after this one. I think he’ll be alright.”

Bournemouth will also have several players on the sidelines for the clash against United. Justin Kluivert is still ruled out after having surgery on a knee injury back in January.

Lewis Cook and Tyler Adams are also unavailable for the Cherries, with manager Andoni Iraola providing an update earlier this week.

“Tyler is not going to be available, as you suppose, because he hasn’t been in the squad for the US,” Iraola told reporters this week.

“Lewis Cook is still not ready. We have almost three weeks now without a game [after Manchester United] so we want to use that space for him to recover properly and be ready for the next one. We have no fresh injuries.”

Julio Soler is also still unavailable for Bournemouth with a hamstring injury he picked up earlier this season.

Matthijs de Ligt is set to miss at least four months for Man Utd after suffering what was initially expected to be a minor back injury.

Matthijs de Ligt could miss the rest of the season at Manchester United with the club still in the dark over when the centre-back will be able to return to action following a back injury.

De Ligt hasn’t played for the club since November 28 and what was initially expected to be a minor back injury is still keeping him away from training, with an imminent return not on the cards.

The 26-year-old has been close to making a return to training on a couple of occasions, only to then feel more discomfort in his back, and the unsettled nature of the problem means United are unsure when he will be back in the fold.

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United haven’t ruled out surgery if they feel that is what it takes to get De Ligt back into action, although for now there is hope that careful management of the problem will eventually lead to an improved prognosis.

The Dutch defender played every minute of United’s first 13 Premier League games this season and was in his best form since a £38.5million move from Bayern Munich, but in his absence, Ruben Amorim’s back-three system has been ditched for a back four under Michael Carrick.

Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro have impressed in the centre of defensive and Carrick is unsure whether De Ligt will return to strengthen the ranks before the end of the season.

“It’s difficult to say, just because it’s taken that much time,” he said. “I can’t give you any more on it really. It’s one of those things with backs that sometimes you think it’s all right and then all of a sudden it’s not quite right.

“We’re just kind of being patient and working through it. We’ll just have to see. We’ll obviously give him time and try to get him back as quick as we can, but it’s really difficult to say. I’m not trying to hide anything, literally at the moment we don’t know so we’ll have to wait and see.

“He’s improving, it’s not improving as quick as we all hope, but we’ll see how it goes.”

De Ligt’s long lay-off has damaged his hopes of making the Netherlands’ World Cup squad this summer and if his back doesn’t improve, surgery could be an option.

“I don’t want to get into that at this stage. I think we’ll obviously try and do whatever we can to help Matta,” said Carrick.

“I think it’ll help getting back and whatever that takes. We’re working through that now, at the moment, to be honest. Hopefully, he’ll be back sooner rather than later, and everything will be fine, and we can move on.”

Manchester United return to action on Sunday after an 11-day break without any games when they take on Aston Villa in the Premier League

Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat under the guidance of Michael Carrick in their last outing when they are back in Premier League action this weekend. They have a chance to give their hopes of Champions League qualification a big boost.

Third-placed United host fourth-placed Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (2pm kick-off). The match comes 11 days after a 2-1 loss against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

While United have had a bit longer to prepare for the game, Villa were in action on Thursday night, recording a 1-0 away win over Lille in the first leg of their Europa League tie.

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The extra time will come as a boost to United, with players nursing and overcoming knocks having a longer chance to recover and be available for selection.

Ahead of the game, Carrick has given the latest update on his squad, with two boosts, although there are still some players remaining on the sidelines. With that in mind, here is the latest from the Carrington treatment room.

Mason Mount

Injury: Knock.

The midfielder has been out since early in Carrick’s reign.

What Carrick has said: “Mason is back with the group, which is fantastic. He’s an important player for us, Mason, and to have him back and involved is a good step for us.

“He is not 100 per cent in terms of back, because he’s only trained a very small amount of time, but he’s back and that’s good for us so we’ll see whether he’s involved or not on Sunday, but it’s a big step for him, so we’re happy with that. That’s it in terms of players coming back for now.”

Possible return date: vs Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

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Noussair Mazraoui

Injury: Foot

The defender was forced off the pitch in the closing stages of the loss against Newcastle with a foot injury.

What has been said: “Noussair Mazraoui trained this week despite coming off with a knock during our 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United, nine days ago,” United wrote in an update on their official website.

Possible return date:vs Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

Lisandro Martinez

Injury: Calf.

The defender has missed the last three Premier League games due to the injury.

What Carrick has said: “That’s it in terms of players coming back for now.”

Possible return date: April.

Patrick Dorgu

Injury: Hamstring.

The full-back has missed the last six Premier League games due to his injury.

What Carrick has said: “That’s it in terms of players coming back for now.”

Possible return date: April.

Matthijs de Ligt

Injury: Back

The back injury has caused De Ligt to miss the last three-and-a-half months of action.

What Carrick has said: “Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress, really. It’s something we’ve been working through, and he’s getting there. He’s in the right direction, but as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind. It’s a difficult one to pin down, especially time-wise. He’s definitely improving, so that’s a good thing.” (Feb 27)

Possible return date: April.

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Man Utd have some excellent centre-back options on paper but getting them out onto the pitch this season has been difficult to do.

Manchester United committed almost £100million to sign Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez. The coveted centre-backs should be at their peak and forming a formidable defensive partnership together at Old Trafford.

But injuries and fitness issues mean getting them out together on the same pitch is proving almost impossible. In their absence at the moment, it is an old-stager in Harry Maguire and a young buck in Leny Yoro who are leading the United defence for Michael Carrick.

Such have been the injury issues affecting De Ligt, 26, and Martinez, 28, that they have been on the same pitch together for just eight minutes in close to 14 months. That came at the end of the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace in November.

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The last time De Ligt and Martinez started a game together was in January 2024, when they were in the team that won 2-0 against FCSB in Bucharest in the Europa League. Martinez suffered a cruciate ligament injury against Crystal Palace in the following game.

When the Argentine returned to the team in November, De Ligt went down with a back injury he still can’t shake. Now Martinez is set to miss a fourth successive game with a calf problem that he initially hoped would rule him out for only one match.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way when they joined the club. Both former Ajax alumni under Erik ten Hag, Martinez joined directly from Amsterdam for an initial £48.3million in 2022, with potential add-ons of £8.4million. Two years later, De Ligt signed from Bayern Munich for £38.4million, with a further £4.3million in add-ons.

Both have shown signs since then that they have what it takes to thrive at United. Martinez was outstanding in his first season, especially, and was finding form again before his latest injury. De Ligt was in the best form of his Old Trafford career before suffering his back injury.

The concern is how robust they can be, and whether United can afford to carry two prime-age centre-backs who are struggling to stay fit enough to contribute for a full season. Martinez is now closing in on 100 games missed through injury since he signed in the summer of 2022.

De Ligt is only in his second full season at the club and has now missed 26 games. His latest back issue is a concern. Ruben Amorim initially suggested he would be missing for just a couple of weeks, but it is now three-and-a-half months, and on a couple of occasions, he has been close to returning to training before complaining of pain and having to go back a stage or two.

In his absence, Maguire has stepped in to produce a string of superb performances. The 33-year-old is out of contract in the summer, but his form, coupled with fears of the durability of De Ligt and Martinez, could earn him a new deal. His teammates want him to stay and talks are likely to centre over a pay cut from his current £190,000-a-week deal, which could be offset with a two-year extension.

United also have one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs in Yoro. The 20-year-old has had a difficult season, but his form has been better of late and there are still high hopes for him, while Ayden Heaven, 19, has been a revelation since joining from Arsenal for £1.5million just over a year ago.

In Maguire, United can be happy with the experience they have in defence, and in Yoro and Heaven they have two excellent prospects for the future. At the moment, it is the players who should be at their peak and should probably be starting together every week who are causing the concern.

Manchester United will now enjoy a 10-day break before their next Premier League game against Aston Villa following Wednesday’s defeat to Newcastle United

Manchester United suffered their first defeat under Michael Carrick on Wednesday night as Newcastle United beat them 2-1 at St James’ Park. William Osula’s injury-time winner handed Eddie Howe’s 10-men all three points after Jacob Ramsey was sent off.

The defeat leaves the race for Champions League football wide open with Chelsea picking up an emphatic 4-1 victory at Aston Villa. Fortunately for Michael Carrick’s men, they will get over a week to recover and prepare for their next league clash against Villa.

It comes at the perfect time for United, with a number of players suffering with injuries. At Newcastle, Noussair Mazraoui was forced off and replaced by Tyrell Malacia late on. Matthijs de Ligt, Mason Mount and Lisandro Martinez all missed the defeat.

With all of that being said, the Manchester Evening News has taken a look at the latest updates on United’s injured stars and when they could return.

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Noussair Mazraoui

Since returning from AFCON, Mazraoui came off the bench in three straight games before starting the previous two. After playing 66 minutes against Palace, he lasted 85 minutes at Newcastle.

However, as the United players left the stadium late on Wednesday night, the Moroccan international was spotted walking with a small limp and looking uncomfortable.

Possible return date: Aston Villa (H) –Sunday, March 15.

Luke Shaw

Shaw came off in the first half against Crystal Palace last weekend with what appeared to be a foot issue. He started the Newcastle defeat, but was replaced on the hour by Manuel Ugarte.

Possible return date: Returned

Lisandro Martinez

Martinez has been absent for United’s last three games with a calf issue. He wasn’t in the squad at Newcastle, with Under-21s defender Godwill Kukonki named on the bench as defensive cover.

What Carrick has said: “Licha, it was a small issue, so he’s getting closer. He won’t be out for very long so we’ll just monitor him over the next day, two, three or four days and see when he can come back, but he’s he’s not far away.”

Possible return date: Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

Mason Mount

Mount has not played for United since Carrick’s first game in charge against Manchester City. He was in the squad in the 3-2 win over Arsenal, but was left on the bench.

There is hope that he could return for the game against Aston Villa next weekend.

What Carrick has said: “Mason is getting closer, really. He’s on the grass, and he’s getting closer. He’s looking to train and be in around it pretty soon. He’s just had to be patient… He’s a big player, so we’re looking after him, making sure he’s ready for a big finish to the season.”

Possible return date: Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

Matthijs de Ligt

De Ligt has been out with a back injury for the last three months. However, the latest update on the defender suggests that he is getting closer to a return.

What Carrick has said: “Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress, really. It’s something we’ve been working through, and he’s getting there.

“He’s in the right direction, but as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind. It’s a difficult one to pin down, especially time-wise. He’s definitely improving, so that’s a good thing.”

Possible return date: Leeds United (H) – April 13

Patrick Dorgu

Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury in the 3-2 win over Arsenal and Carrick confirmed he would miss a considerable period back in late January.

What Carrick has said: “Pat, unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a period of time. We’re still working through how long that’s going to be. We weren’t sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or whether it was something a little bit more serious, and at the moment, it looks a little bit more on the serious note.”

Possible return date: Late March

Manchester United host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, with Michael Carrick hoping to welcome one player to his matchday squad

Manchester United will be looking to make it six wins from seven games under the guidance of interim head coach Michael Carrick when they host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. United are back in action on Sunday afternoon (2pm).

The match comes just six days after they got back to winning ways with a 1-0 away victory over Everton. Benjamin Sesko’s 71st-minute goal was enough to separate the two sides. That result saw United open up a three-point gap to both Chelsea and Liverpool in fifth and sixth place.

The injury situation at Old Trafford is also looking better compared to the start of the season. With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest news from the treatment room at Carrington.

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Patrick Dorgu

Injury: Hamstring

The full-back has been unavailable for the last four Premier League games due to a hamstring injury suffered in the win over Arsenal last month. But there is hope that he could be back soon, with Denmark head coach Brian Riemer saying that there is a chance that he could be back for next month’s World Cup play-offs.

What Carrick has said: “Pat, unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a period of time. We’re still working through how long that’s going to be. We weren’t sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or whether it was something a little bit more serious, and at the moment, it looks a little bit more on the serious note.”

Possible return date: Vs Leeds United (H), April 11.

Matthijs de Ligt

Injury: Back

The defender has been out of action since the end of November with a back injury, with him missing the last 15 games in all competitions.

What Carrick has said: “Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress, really. It’s something we’ve been working through, and he’s getting there. He’s in the right direction, but, as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind.

“It’s one of those things that’s disappointing, but it’s just a part of football, unfortunately, so we’ll get him back when we can.

“It’s just the nature of the injury and the issue in the back. It’s a difficult one to pin down, especially time-wise. He’s definitely improving, so that’s a good thing, and we’re just working towards that really. There’s not much more I can give at this stage.”

Possible return date: Unknown

Mason Mount

Injury: Knock

The midfielder has missed the last four Premier League games with a knock but is closing in on a return to action.

What Carrick has said: “Mason is getting closer, really. He’s on the grass and he’s getting closer, he’s looking to train and be in around it pretty soon.

“He’s getting close. He’s just had to be patient really and he’s a big player, so we’re looking after him, making sure he’s ready for a big finish to the season.”

Possible return date: Vs Aston Villa (H), March 15.

Lisandro Martinez

Injury: Knock

The centre-back was not included in the squad for Monday night’s Premier League win over Everton, having previously started the last nine league games. It’s reported that the issue is only minor and he could make a quick return.

What Carrick has said: “Unfortunately, he just picked up something during the week. It doesn’t seem too bad at all, but we’re just kind of working through that at the moment, so he’s not available tonight.”

Possible return date: Vs Crystal Palace (H), March 1.

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Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.

Man Utd centre-back Matthijs de Ligt has been out for three months with a back injury but he could return in March.

When Matthijs de Ligt returns to the Manchester United team, which could be within the next month, he will find it is unrecognisable from the last time he pulled on the shirt.

De Ligt last played for United on November 30, when there was still hope that Ruben Amorim could deliver the answers at Old Trafford. That win at Crystal Palace steadied the ship after the disastrous defeat to 10-man Everton, and there was no sense that within five weeks the Portuguese head coach would have left the club.

The brief Darren Fletcher era passed De Ligt by, and his return will now come under Michael Carrick, who has breathed new life into United’s season and given them a golden opportunity to return to the Champions League with 11 Premier League games remaining.

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If there is a problem for De Ligt, beyond returning to full fitness after three months out injured, it is that the change in the dugout means United now field two centre-backs rather than three, and he has lost momentum during his spell on the sidelines.

De Ligt had been intermittently feeling back pain before aggravating it in United’s win at Crystal Palace at the end of November. He came through that fixture and, at the time, had played every minute of the Premier League season to date.

But that run of 1,170 minutes stopped dead in south London and the counter hasn’t started ticking since. A week later, Amorim confirmed the injury but said he expected De Ligt’s absence to be short.

“For Matta, it is a small thing. I expect to have Matthijs next game [at Molineux],” he said. That was the start of December, but De Ligt hasn’t been seen for United since.

Updates from the three head coaches to have taken charge of the first team since then have played down his absence. Carrick referred to De Ligt as having had a setback about a month ago, but then attempted to correct himself and club sources clarified after that press conference that they wouldn’t refer to the issue as a “setback”.

A month has passed since then, and the Dutch centre-back is still not back in training or available for selection, and Amorim’s initial claim that he would be fit to face Wolves at Molineux on Monday, December 8, only adds to the intrigue.

That statement hasn’t helped De Ligt’s situation, although he has remained positive and upbeat during his rehabilitation. It is understood that there has been no significant setback and there is no mystery to the 26-year-old’s absence. It is simply the case that the issue has proven harder to shift than had been expected.

De Ligt is in regularly at Carrington doing his rehab, and on a couple of occasions, he has felt close to a return, only to feel pain again in the back area. Every time that happens it delays his return and it is why Amorim, Fletcher and Carrick have all found it difficult to put a timescale on it, with United now cautioning against a timeframe and Carrick speaking more generically of late.

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It has been unfortunate timing. De Ligt was in the best form of his United career before his injury, as his status as an ever-present in the Premier League proved. While he has been forced to watch, he has seen Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez flourish as a partnership in the centre of defence.

Maguire has been outstanding under Carrick and is looking like he could earn himself a new contract. Martinez picked up a calf injury last week that ruled him out of the win at Everton, but he is expected to return to training before the return fixture against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

That might come too soon for the Argentine, but in 20-year-old Leny Yoro, who looks to be over his own patchy form under Amorim, United have an able deputy. De Ligt will be an afterthought against the opponents he last played against.

He is unlikely to be fit in time to face Newcastle either, at which point there will be only nine games left this season. His chances of making the World Cup with the Netherlands could also be hanging in the balance.

This has been De Ligt’s longest injury absence since missing 17 games with a shoulder injury in 2020, although he has had a stop-start time of it with minor injuries since the start of the 2022/23 season. There have been 11 separate injury absences since then, most for just a few games, until this back problem.

That has made him more aware of his own body and as he enters what should be the peak years of his career, he is determined to return when he feels he is right, rather than rushing back and risking a more severe setback and facing another spell out of action.

Within the next month or so, De Ligt hopes this issue will be in the rearview mirror, and he can focus on trying to win his place back in the side before the end of the season. That will be easier said than done, but his first challenge will be getting back onto the grass at Carrington.

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