Manchester United may have swept aside Wolves 4–1 at Molineux, but the absence of Matthijs de Ligt remained one of the lingering questions following the victory. The Dutch centre-back, a key figure in Ruben Amorim’s defensive structure this season, missed a second consecutive match after sitting out the 1–1 draw with West Ham last weekend.
Amorim had described the issue as a “small thing” on December 4, suggesting he hoped to have de Ligt available again for the trip to Wolves. That optimism did not materialise. The 26-year-old was not in the matchday squad, and after full-time the United manager refused to commit to any return timeline.
Amorim: “You have an idea… then you have to see day by day”
Pressed on de Ligt’s condition after the Wolves win, Amorim admitted he could not offer certainty.
“I don’t know. Sometimes you have an idea, then you have to see day by day. I’m not going to say when he is coming back.” — Ruben Amorim
The cautious tone reflects United’s reluctance to take risks with a player they view as central to their long-term defensive rebuild. De Ligt has already started 14 matches under Amorim this season, anchoring the back three with increasing authority before this injury interruption.
Heaven, Mazraoui and Martinez step in — with encouraging signs
In de Ligt’s absence, academy product Ayden Heaven retained his place in the middle of the back three — a significant show of trust from Amorim. Natural right-back Noussair Mazraoui again operated on the right side of the trio, with Luke Shaw returning to his usual role on the left.
Both Heaven and Mazraoui were replaced in the second half by Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martínez. For Martínez, it was another step in his recovery from the ACL injury suffered in February. The Argentine has now featured in successive league matches after making his full return at Selhurst Park the previous week.
United’s defensive rotations on the night underline the club’s longer-term strategy under Amorim: develop depth, integrate youth, and avoid overloading players returning from injuries.
Matthijs de Ligt — Season Stats (2025/26 Premier League + Carabao Cup)
| Stat | de Ligt |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 14 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Accurate Passes (per match) | 41.3 (88%) |
| Balls Recovered (per match) | 3.1 |
| Interceptions (per match) | 1.2 |
source: Sofascore — 9 December 2025
Key Insights
- De Ligt has missed consecutive matches after Amorim initially downplayed the issue.
- United will not rush him back and are monitoring progress “day by day.”
- Heaven, Mazraoui, Yoro and Martínez shared duties in a fluid defensive rotation.
- De Ligt’s ball progression and organisational quality remain central to Amorim’s system.
- United face Bournemouth next on Monday, December 15 — but de Ligt remains doubtful.
What’s Next?
Manchester United will hope to maintain momentum against Bournemouth in the Premier League. For Amorim, the priority remains balancing short-term performance with long-term squad health. Whether de Ligt returns next week or later in December, United want him fully fit — not just available.
👉 United fans — do you trust Heaven, Yoro and Martínez to cover while de Ligt recovers?
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