De Ligt is back, 11 months later
Matthijs de Ligt is in line for his first Manchester United appearance since November 2025. Back surgery kept him out for roughly 11 months, and he is set to feature against Como in the Champions League at 18:45 CEST on Wednesday (1).
Michael Carrick did not hide his relief: "It's great to have him back. He's had such a long journey, 11 months or so" (1).
United need him. A depleted squad travels to Italy, and Carrick's defensive options have been thin for weeks (1).
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No plan to sell De Ligt
United will not sell De Ligt as they rebuild the back line. His contract runs to 2029 with an extension option, and he stays part of the long-term plan (1).
Bournemouth at home on Sunday
Seven points from seven games, 13th in the table, no win since before the international break. Your last five: a 0–1 home loss to Manchester City, 1–1 at Fulham, 1–1 with Tottenham, 0–2 away to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, and 1–1 at Leeds United on Sunday (FORM).
Bournemouth come to Old Trafford at 15:00 CET on Sunday (FIXTURES).
Left-back regret, and two names to fix it
The hierarchy know they left the left-back slot alone in a quiet summer. Lewis Hall and Adrien Truffert are the names in the frame (2)(3).
Hall's new extension at Newcastle complicates any approach, and United are not alone in the race for Truffert (3). Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez are expected to move on at the end of the season (2).
Gavi on the radar
United are one of several Premier League clubs watching Gavi. Hansi Flick has used him less at Barcelona, and PSG are in the picture too (4).
England is reportedly not his preferred destination (4).
