Matthijs de Ligt is continuing his rehabilitation programme at Carrington, with Manchester United confirming that the defender is working intensively under the supervision of the club’s medical department. The Netherlands international had impressed earlier in the season and was voted Player of the Month for November by supporters, but he has been sidelined since 30 November due to injury. Despite the long absence, the 26‑year‑old remains positive and fully focused on regaining full fitness.

Images captured on Thursday afternoon show De Ligt completing individual sessions on the grass as he gradually increases his workload. United have stated that he is doing everything possible to accelerate his recovery, though he is not yet training with the group. For now, Michael Carrick has declined to provide any timeline for his return to competitive action, preferring to monitor progress step by step as the centre‑back continues building towards full match readiness.