​Matthijs de Ligt has returned to Carrington and is currently following an individual rehabilitation programme after undergoing back surgery in May, according to the Manchester Evening News. Although the 26-year-old remains away from United’s main pre-season group as the new season nears, the MEN confirms he is on-site and engaged in a tailored recovery plan. He had previously been carrying out fitness work abroad during the summer before resuming activity at the club’s training complex.
There is growing optimism within the club about his progression. The Manchester Evening News, cited by The Peoples Person, reports United feel confident that his back issue is now behind him following the operation. “There is confidence that his back issue is behind him after surgery,” the outlet notes, suggesting the medical setback is a thing of the past rather than a lingering hurdle.
De Ligt’s absence last season was substantial. He missed the entire second half of the 2025-26 campaign as the back problem worsened to the point where surgery became unavoidable. The operation also ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup, making a Netherlands recall unlikely once the surgery was confirmed for May. As things stand, de Ligt has yet to feature in any match under new manager Michael Carrick, placing his return to action far from routine. His on-sight rehabilitation at Carrington represents more than a routine injury update; it marks a potential debut under Carrick, who is still fine-tuning his defensive combinations ahead of the campaign.
The next major landmark will be his transition from solitary work to full squad training. If de Ligt can train with the group, even partially, it would indicate a competitive return may be on the horizon. Given the gradual nature of his recovery, an early involvement in the opening weeks of the 2026-27 season appears unlikely, though United’s expressed confidence offers a glimmer of optimism for supporters.
De Ligt’s absence also intensifies existing issues in United’s defense. Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Harry Maguire all carry injury histories, and the club is reportedly prioritising midfield reinforcement this summer without adding to the backline despite defensive concerns. The prospect of another defensive injury before de Ligt is fully match-ready would leave Carrick dangerously short at the back, a risk United can ill afford as they seek to stabilise the squad.
For now, De Ligt’s presence at Carrington, even in a limited, individual capacity, provides the first tangible sign that the Netherlands centre-back is progressing well after a difficult finish to the previous season. If his rehabilitation continues to progress at the current pace, the club will gain confidence that he can soon integrate into team training and move closer to a full return, a development that could have meaningful implications for United’s defensive stability in the latter stages of the summer and ahead of the new campaign.