Manchester United’s injury-plagued campaign under manager Ruben Amorim has taken another twist, with fans anxiously awaiting clarity on defender Matthijs de Ligt’s fitness ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth. The Dutch center-back, sidelined since March with an ankle injury, has been sorely missed in a backline riddled with inconsistency.
While initial fears suggested a lengthy absence, recent updates from Carrington hint at a potential comeback sooner than expected—but will it come in time to face the Cherries?
Ruben Amorim’s cautious timeline
Ruben Amorim, United’s first-year boss, provided a cautiously optimistic update on De Ligt’s recovery ahead of last week’s Europa League clash against Lyon.
“He’s progressing well,” Amorim revealed, tempering expectations while acknowledging the defender’s positive trajectory. “We’re looking at a few weeks before he’s ready to compete again.”
While the manager avoided committing to a specific return date, internal timelines reportedly circle the May 4th fixture against Brentford as Matthijs de Ligt’s target. However, with Bournemouth looming this weekend, whispers of an accelerated comeback have gained traction.
The 24-year-old has reportedly resumed light training, focusing on agility drills and strength work—a sign that his rehabilitation is entering its final phases.
Why Matthijs de Ligt’s absence has stung
Since arriving from Bayern Munich last summer, De Ligt’s leadership and defensive IQ quickly made him a linchpin of Amorim’s system. His ability to organize the backline and play out under pressure has been conspicuously absent during his layoff, exacerbating United’s struggles.
The Red Devils have cycled through partnerships like Harry Maguire-Jonny Evans and Willy Kambwala-Victor Lindelöf, but inconsistency has plagued their results.
United’s 1-0 loss to Wolves last weekend underscored the issue: a disorganized defense conceded from a set-piece, a scenario where De Ligt’s aerial dominance might have made the difference. With European qualification still within reach, his return could steady the ship during a critical stretch.
Bournemouth test: Risk vs. reward
Amorim faces a dilemma. Bournemouth, unbeaten in their last five league matches, pose a physical threat with forwards Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo in sharp form. Throwing De Ligt into the fray after weeks on the sidelines carries inherent risks, but the allure of his experience is tempting.
Sources suggest the medical team will assess Matthijs de Ligt’s response to increased training intensity later this week. If cleared, a bench role seems likelier than a start—a compromise to ease him back without overexertion. “We won’t rush him,” Amorim emphasized, prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term gains.
Manchester United’s fitness crisis
De Ligt isn’t the only absentee complicating Amorim’s plans. Teenage full-back Ayden Heaven (thigh) and midfielder Toby Collyer (knock) remain sidelined, while Mason Mount’s stop-start season continues with a fresh calf issue. The manager’s reliance on youth—like 19-year-old Kambwala—has highlighted the squad’s thin margins.
Yet, there’s hope. Jonny Evans, initially deemed a stopgap, has defied expectations with gritty performances, while Lisandro Martínez’s impending return from a foot injury could further bolster options.
While Matthijs de Ligt’s return against Bournemouth seems unlikely, Amorim’s update offers genuine hope for a near-term comeback. The Brentford clash remains the safer bet, but stranger things have happened in football. For now, United’s focus is on managing his recovery meticulously—ensuring he’s fully fit to anchor their push for Europe.
As Amorim often says, “Progress isn’t linear.” For De Ligt and United, the path forward hinges on balance: ambition tempered by pragmatism.