Matthijs de Ligt has been out injured since the start of December with a back issue, but finally, Manchester United has a positive update on his return.
While still a long way from playing minutes for Manchester United, the return to on-pitch training for Matthijs de Ligt is a big step forward.
United shared images of De Ligt doing individual work at Carrington, which is always a big step up in recovery and one before returning to full training sessions.
The club said, “working hard on his rehabilitation, under the supervision of the club’s medical staff”, while insisting that De Ligt is doing everything he can to return. De Ligt was sprinting in the pictures and looked to be completely pain-free, hopefully meaning he has put the issue behind him for good.
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Matthijs de Ligt sends an Instagram message after Carrington return
After five months out through injury with very limited updates or news on a return, De Ligt being back on the training pitch is a very positive update.
Taking to his Instagram with images, De Ligt captioned his post, “Working hard, getting closer”, with a flexing emoji.
De Ligt’s issues have caused serious frustration among fans; however, it is great to see him back in training with a view to making his comeback.
In the comments under De Ligt’s post, his teammates showed their support.
Lisandro Martinez led the replies as he wrote: “Vamos Mata”, meaning, ‘Let’s go Mata’ in Spanish.
Harry Maguire reacted with a flexing emoji, while Joshua Zirkzee added a crown emoji.
De Ligt was United’s best defender prior to injury, so if he can put this behind him and get back to this level, Michael Carrick has a new signing coming in the summer.
Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are injured too frequently – Should either or both be sold in the summer?
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Matthijs de Ligt could be like a new signing for Manchester United next season
There has been a lot of talk around United signing a new centre-back this summer. Among the names, United have been linked with Micky Van Den Ven, but De Ligt’s return to health lessens the need.
With an entirely fit centre-back group, United have five who are good enough to be starters in the league or Europe, which means signing a sixth potential starter for two positions makes no sense.
De Ligt’s injury has kept him out since December, and therefore Carrick has never had the chance to play the Dutchman.
This means De Ligt could effectively be United’s new signing at centre-back when he returns if there is confidence he won’t be out again long term.
United had the centre-back group to play a back three, so now only two are starting; additions aren’t needed as there is more than enough coverage.
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