Manchester United forgotten star set for return after Michael Carrick update

According to a report by Evening Standard on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt could make his long-awaited return to action against Atletico Madrid after head coach Michael Carrick confirmed that he was comfortable giving the Dutchman minutes in the Champions League encounter.

Manchester United will travel to the Spanish capital for their second match of this season’s Champions League league phase, hoping to build on their opening 4-0 victory over Sabah at Old Trafford last month.

De Ligt has been sidelined for almost a year after suffering a back problem during a match against Crystal Palace. His prolonged absence has made him a peripheral figure at Old Trafford, but his recovery has provided United with a potential defensive boost.

The Netherlands international had previously travelled with his teammates to face Fulham before the international break but was not included in the matchday squad.

His progress subsequently improved after he featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against sister club Lausanne-Sport, allowing him to gain valuable playing time as he worked towards full fitness.

Speaking ahead of the Atletico Madrid encounter, Carrick expressed confidence in the defender’s readiness to return, although he acknowledged that his minutes would need to be carefully managed.

The United head coach explained that De Ligt had completed a considerable amount of training and participated in part of the friendly against Lausanne-Sport.

Carrick added that he was comfortable allowing the centre-back to feature, provided the club managed his return appropriately to avoid exposing him to too much too soon.

De Ligt’s potential involvement comes at an important time for United, who are seeking greater consistency after a difficult start to their domestic campaign.

However, Carrick has suffered two fresh injury setbacks ahead of the Atletico Madrid fixture, with Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw remaining in England after picking up knocks during the 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

The pair will miss Tuesday’s European encounter, further limiting the manager’s selection options as United prepare to face the Spanish side.

United have collected six points from their opening six Premier League matches and sit 12th in the table, increasing scrutiny on Carrick following the disappointing draw against Tottenham.

Dominic Solanke scored a late equaliser for Tottenham despite the visitors having been reduced to 10 men, denying United the opportunity to secure all three points at Old Trafford.

With Mainoo and Shaw unavailable, De Ligt’s possible return offers Carrick another option as Manchester United prepare for a demanding Champions League test against Atletico Madrid.

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