Michael Carrick says he is comfortable giving Matthijs de Ligt minutes as the De Ligt return reaches Manchester United’s squad for the Champions League trip to Atletico de Madrid.
The De Ligt return provides United with another defensive option, but Carrick also stressed the need to manage how much he plays. Being back in the travelling squad does not mean a starting place has been confirmed.
De Ligt return brings a managed decision
Speaking at his press conference in Madrid, Carrick said he had confidence in the centre-back’s readiness to take part.
“I’m definitely comfortable with him playing.”
The head coach immediately qualified that with a question of timing and minutes. De Ligt has played some of the friendly against Lausanne and completed a substantial amount of training, but United are still working through his return.
“So it’s not too much, too soon. I’ve definitely got the confidence in him, no doubt about that.”
A long wait to rejoin the squad
United’s official update says De Ligt’s last appearance for the club was the 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace on 30 November 2025. He has since worked behind the scenes after an operation to address the problem.
The club lists him on 56 United appearances. A De Ligt return would therefore end a lengthy wait, but the date of that involvement and the number of minutes remain selection decisions for Carrick.
The distinction matters. A positive squad update is encouraging without being a declaration that the defender is ready for an uninterrupted run of full matches.
De Ligt adds an option in a busy spell
United’s schedule continues across domestic and European competitions. The availability of another centre-back gives Carrick more choice as he manages that workload.
For De Ligt, training and the Lausanne minutes have been steps towards a competitive return. Carrick’s comments suggest the next step will be judged on both confidence in the player and the amount of work he can take on.
There is no need to turn that into a predicted lineup. The confirmed news is that De Ligt is back in the squad and the manager is willing to use him, with his minutes still to be managed.
Carrick also spoke about the pressure around United’s recent results in the same press conference.
Read the full quotes in Manchester United’s De Ligt update.
