Matthijs de Ligt returns to training after long injury layoff with United
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 5:30 PM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026

Matthijs de Ligt has returned to team training with Manchester United following a lengthy recovery from a serious back injury. He last played over 250 days ago in November 2025, when he sustained what was initially reported as a minor knock. Following surgery, his rehabilitation has spanned nearly a year, and fans are hopeful he can regain his form. His performance has declined in previous seasons due to injuries, and uncertainty remains regarding his ability to consistently perform as a key defender for the club moving forward.
- •De Ligt trained for the first time ahead of a preseason friendly against Leeds United.
- •He has missed 84 games for club and country due to injuries since 2020.
- •De Ligt's market value has decreased from £55 million to around £25 million.
- •He received a FotMob rating of 6.79 in the 2024-25 season.
- •His injury impact has been felt during Michael Carrick's management period.
- 5:30 PMYahoo Sports — What does the future hold for Matthijs de Ligt?
"It could go a number of ways for De Ligt post-surgery.
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