Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt, who last featured for Manchester United in November 2025, is not expected to be back until at least the autumn, a new report said. The centre-back, who missed the FIFA World Cup 2026 after undergoing a corrective procedure to address a persistent back problem, continues to be on the recovery path. The National News claims De Ligt won't be back in the fold until such time as his recovery is complete.
When a British football team mentions "autumn" as a return date for an unavailable player, they typically mean the window from September to November. In the worst-case scenario, United will have to do without the former Juventus defender for another three months.
Lisandro Martínez, meanwhile, is subject to an earlier return than expected, reports said. After being subbed off in the first half of the World Cup summit clash between Spain and Argentina, it has now been confirmed that his torso strain is not a cause for concern. The centre-back is also enjoying an extended cool-off period, but United's medical team has confirmed that his availability should not be a cause for concern for the team, Goal.com said in a report. According to the website, Martínez has a realistic chance of being match-fit for Manchester United's season opener against newly-promoted Hull City on August 22. Leny Yoro and veteran Harry Maguire are expected to be crucial to the backline in the initial weeks unless more reinforcements arrive.
After having signed two midfielders, the Red Devils are reportedly tracking Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall as a backup for Luke Shaw on the left flank. Club-to-club talks have not taken place for the young talent, but it is said to be a lot more than a random transfer window rumour, with Hall willing to make the switch.
