Matthijs de Ligt has returned to Carrington and is currently undertaking an individual recovery programme following the back surgery he underwent in May, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. However, the 26-year-old defender remains absent from Manchester United’s main pre-season squad as preparations for the new campaign continue.

According to the Manchester Evening News, de Ligt was not spotted among the senior players who reported back to United’s training complex on Thursday, though it was confirmed he is present at the facility and following a customised rehabilitation plan. The Dutch centre-back had earlier been working on his fitness abroad during the summer before resuming sessions at Carrington.

Importantly, there is said to be growing optimism within the club about his progress. The Manchester Evening News, via The Peoples Person, reported that United believe his back problem has been successfully resolved following the procedure.

“There is confidence that his back issue is behind him after surgery.” – Manchester Evening News

De Ligt missed the entire second half of the 2025–26 season after the back injury worsened to the point that surgery became unavoidable. The setback also ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup, with a call-up to the Netherlands national team never a realistic option once the operation was confirmed in May.

As a result, de Ligt is yet to feature under new manager Michael Carrick. This context makes his recovery more than just a standard injury update – it marks the beginning of his tenure under a new coach who is still assessing his preferred defensive setup.

The next significant milestone will be his transition from solo sessions to full team training, which would indicate that a competitive return is on the horizon. Participation in the opening weeks of the 2026–27 campaign appears unlikely given the current pace of his rehabilitation, but the club’s optimism offers encouragement.

De Ligt’s absence adds to an existing concern in United’s defensive department. Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Harry Maguire all have histories of injury, and as per the MEN, the club’s primary focus this summer remains on strengthening the midfield, with no immediate plans to recruit additional defenders despite those vulnerabilities.

It is clear that any further defensive setback before de Ligt returns could leave Carrick in a precarious position. United’s centre-back options are already stretched thin and cannot withstand further disruptions.

For now, de Ligt’s presence at Carrington – even in a restricted, individual capacity – is the first tangible sign that the Dutch international is moving in the right direction following a difficult conclusion to last season.