Carrington insider reveals Man Utd worried about ‘fantastic’ INEOS signing who’s been ‘through hell’

Manchester United’s medical and coaching staff are growing increasingly anxious over the prolonged absence of Matthijs de Ligt, with sources inside Carrington admitting the Netherlands international has endured “hellish” months of rehabilitation, Stretty News can reveal.

De Ligt, signed last summer as part of INEOS’s first major rebuilding window, has not played since sustaining a back complaint during the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on 30 November. Initially down-played by interim boss Ruben Amorim as a minor knock, the injury has now kept the 26-year-old out for four months and counting.

Club insider Sully told the CentreDevils podcast that De Ligt remains restricted to isolated gym work, having suffered multiple setbacks that have prevented him from even re-joining group training. “Each time he has neared a comeback, something has flared up again,” Sully said. “It’s been an emotional rollercoaster for him and for the staff.”

The centre-back’s plight is especially frustrating given the commanding form he displayed during the opening months of the campaign, establishing himself as one of United’s most consistent performers. Recurrent fitness issues, however, have stalked the defender in recent seasons, and club officials now fear the current lay-off could erode the physical resilience that once defined his game.

While United have coped in De Ligt’s absence—Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez impressed during Michael Carrick’s recent caretaker spell, and teenage prodigy Leny Yoro has slotted in seamlessly—there is acknowledgement that the squad loses a vocal organiser whenever De Ligt is unavailable. Martínez’s own fitness setback has further tested resources, although academy graduate Ayden Heaven has provided additional cover.

Former United defender Wes Brown remains confident the “fantastic” Dutchman will reclaim his starting berth once fully fit. “You don’t lose talent like Matthijs’ overnight,” Brown said. “When he’s right, he walks straight back into the XI.”

For now, though, Carrington’s concern centres on ensuring De Ligt’s latest rehabilitation programme finally breaks the cycle of hope and heartbreak that has characterised his winter.