Michael Carrick has acknowledged that there is no certainty Matthijs de Ligt will play again this season as the Manchester United defender continues to struggle with a back injury. The Netherlands international has been sidelined while he undergoes treatment and rehabilitation, and Carrick made clear that the club cannot put a firm timeline on his return.
De Ligt’s back problem has limited his availability and raised concern over his ability to feature in the closing stages of the campaign. Carrick, speaking about the situation, refused to guarantee that the centre-back would be fit before the season ends, underlining that the priority is the player’s long-term health rather than any short-term push to return.
The defender’s absence has left Manchester United without one of their key options in central defence. Since joining the club, De Ligt has been viewed as an important part of the back line, valued for his composure, reading of the game, and aerial strength. His injury, however, has disrupted his rhythm and restricted his opportunities to build consistency in the team.
Carrick indicated that the medical staff are monitoring De Ligt’s condition closely and adjusting his recovery programme as needed. Back injuries can be complex and unpredictable, making it difficult for coaches and doctors to commit to a specific comeback date. The club is expected to remain cautious, balancing the desire to have De Ligt available with the risk of aggravating the issue if he is rushed back too soon.
Without providing detailed medical specifics, Carrick’s comments suggest that Manchester United are preparing for multiple scenarios, including the possibility that De Ligt does not feature again this term. That uncertainty could influence defensive planning for the rest of the season, as the team looks to maintain stability at the back with the players currently available.
For De Ligt, the focus remains on completing his rehabilitation and attempting to regain full fitness. Until there is clear progress and guidance from the medical team, both the player and the club will have to accept that his return date remains open-ended, with no guarantee he will appear again before the campaign concludes.
