It seemed like a minor issue, one of those annoyances that can be resolved, at worst, in a few days. A few massages, a targeted differentiated training for a couple of sessions, and then back to the group for the practice match. But Matthijs de Ligt’s problem was much more serious, and the Manchester United staff understood very little about it. In fact, regarding his injury, everyone understood very little. The fact is that the Dutchman had to stop at his best moment of the season, when he was gaining momentum, had finally returned to the starting lineup, and had begun to show again those qualities that just four years ago had prompted Bayern Munich to buy him from Juventus for 67 million euros.
It was December 5th, and it feels like seven lifetimes have passed. On the bench of the Red Devils was still Amorim, who, by the way, had not yet started that streak of negative results that led to his dismissal. The fans still believed in his project. Five months later, and after a complete revolution at Old Trafford, the new leader of the “rebellion,” Michael Carrick, is under scrutiny after a disappointing home defeat against Leeds United. What seemed like a minor annoyance has instead kept Matthijs de Ligt out for the entire “Carrick era.” Like his predecessor, Carrick has publicly stated on several occasions that the Dutchman was close to returning. De Ligt has been “on the field” multiple times, training with his teammates, only to return to the infirmary again. He did not participate in United’s mid-season retreat in Dublin last week: the club deemed it better for him to stay at Carrington to continue his treatment.
This bizarre and partly inexplicable absence has fueled all kinds of conspiracy theories on social media. What is the club hiding? Why is there never a concrete date provided for his return? How is it possible that a player who was supposed to be out for a few days has instead remained sidelined for so long? If De Ligt had undergone knee surgery or a torn cruciate ligament, we would have a much clearer idea of the recovery times. Instead, since it is a back injury, where a myriad of neurological complications makes diagnosis almost impossible, he may seem ready to play one day and wake up completely different the next day.
According to iNews, there are no relapses: the United medical staff knows that, with back problems, there are good days and bad days. Nothing in particular worsens the pain: it is simply the nature of this type of injury. There is still hope that the 26-year-old can return to the field before the end of the season. With Lisandro Martínez suspended for three matches, Maguire struggling, and Yoro still fluctuating, even a few matches from De Ligt would be a great help for United. However, if he is not ready, his return will not be forced. The club will look to the long term and, if it is necessary to wait until next season to have him at 100%, it will act exactly in this way.