Good day to be a centre-half" - so crowed the Manchester United Instagram account last Tuesday lunchtime. While most United players were having a getaway, De Ligt was back in Manchester, keeping himself in shape for the point, as yet undetermined, when he gets the green light to start playing again. There have been periods when it was felt De Ligt was getting close. De Ligt has not played for United since the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on 30 November. Sadly for De Ligt, an outstanding performer for United in the early months of the season, that is not what happened.

Source: BBC April 12, 2026 15:29 UTC