
Matthijs de Ligt
CB
Controlled Centre Back
Aug 12, 1999 (27)
Right
6'2"
196 lb
Ranking
Grades
Key Grades
2025/2026 Premier League
Overall Grades by game
2025/2026 Premier League
Upcoming matches
News
Progressing in recovery
De Ligt continues to make good progress in his recovery and has been training well, though Manchester United are still carefully managing the final stages of his return, according to coach Michael Carrick. "He's trained really well but we're still managing it, when you're out for such a long period of time, you get to the final stages, pushing and pushing, and you've got to manage that last stage."
Analysis: De Ligt is progressing well after his lengthy absence but still needs time to complete the final stages of his recovery before returning to competitive action. United are being cautious with the center-back's workload after his extended spell out, with manager Michael Carrick indicating that he remains on the right track. Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro are expected to form the central defensive partnership against Sabah on Thursday.
Continues comeback work
De Ligt (back) continues to work with the group as he builds toward a return following back surgery, according to coach Michael Carrick.
Analysis: De Ligt has been training with his teammates since United's camp in Ireland, but there is still no indication that he's ready for competitive action. Given the length of his absence and the nature of his back problem, United are likely to continue building up his fitness gradually before bringing him back into the matchday squad. Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven remain the available options in central defense in the meantime.
Explore more players

Marc Guéhi

Josko Gvardiol

Lewis Hall

Keane Lewis-Potter
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare