Pictures: United star issues encouraging fitness update after season-ending injury

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has shared an encouraging injury update in the off-season. Momentum curtailed In May, United confirmed that De Ligt had undergone surgery to mend a back injury that had sidelined him for weeks. De Ligt last played for United against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on November 30. Then-manager Ruben Amorim suggested that he would miss one game, but he has not featured since. The Netherlands international was temporarily back in training in the last week of April as he eyed a return to full fitness. It’s understood that De Ligt was initially against the idea of going under the knife, as he pushed to line up again for United and earn a World Cup spot. But after it became clear that neither of those options would be achievable, De Ligt revised his stance and opted for surgical intervention. Before he sustained the issue, De Ligt was arguably in his best form since joining United from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024. The 26-year-old had played every minute in the 2025/26 Premier League season, picking up United’s Player of the Month award for November. De Ligt fitness update De Ligt has taken to Instagram and posted a video of himself working out, as he looks to get back in shape. He also published more images of himself and his loved ones on holiday in Ibiza with the caption “recovering and enjoying.” United say that De Ligt is expected to return to team training in the opening stages of the 2026/27 season. This means he is set to miss pre-season. Perhaps the most encouraging sign is that De Ligt remains in good spirits and is still putting in the hard yards to get back to action. Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Latest Top Stories… Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!