Manchester United Injury Update: Confirmed Latest on Matthijs De Ligt and More | OneFootball

Manchester United Injury Update: Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven and Squad Return Timelines

Manchester United’s season under Ruben Amorim has been characterised by tactical evolution, youthful integration, and, frustratingly, persistent injuries. Following a deflating 1-0 home defeat to Wolves, there was at least a modest silver lining—no new names were added to the medical report.

This current campaign, defined as much by who’s been unavailable as who’s featured, has forced Amorim to shuffle the pack more often than he’d like. With United still in the hunt for European qualification, the return of key players such as Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven could be pivotal.

Matthijs de Ligt edging closer to return

Matthijs de Ligt’s injury has been a sore point for United’s defence, which has lacked consistency without the Dutch centre-back. However, the signs of progress are encouraging. Amorim revealed prior to the Lyon clash that De Ligt is on a positive trajectory: recovering well from his ankle issue and potentially just “a few weeks” from featuring again.

Photo: IMAGO

The target date being quietly circled in Carrington appears to be the away fixture against Brentford on 4 May. That match could mark his return to competitive action and bolster a back line that has endured a rotating cast throughout the season.

Ayden Heaven remains in the frame for late-season return

Eighteen-year-old Ayden Heaven was one of the brighter narratives of United’s winter window. Signed from Arsenal, the midfielder impressed early before succumbing to a knee injury that halted his rapid rise. As he neared full recovery, he suffered another setback in training.

Amorim, however, was quick to play it down, referring to it as a “small spot.” There’s hope he’ll be back by early May, potentially returning alongside De Ligt for the Brentford encounter. Heaven’s composure and creativity in midfield are attributes United will welcome back with open arms.

Zirkzee out for the season as others near comeback

Joshua Zirkzee’s hamstring injury against Newcastle was a crushing blow. The striker had been growing in stature and seemed a natural fit in Amorim’s system. Sadly, his season is over.

“He’s not going to play more this season. Let’s prepare him for the next one,” Amorim said. “I think he’s improving in all aspects of the game… but this is football and he has to be ready now to recover.” The focus now shifts to preparing him for 2025-26.

Meanwhile, Toby Collyer and Amad Diallo are making strides. Collyer is expected to be in contention for United’s upcoming trip to Bournemouth on 27 April, having resumed light training before the Lyon tie. Diallo, recovering from ankle ligament damage, may yet feature before the curtain falls on the season.

Amorim was cautiously optimistic: “I hope to have Amad [back] before [the end of the season], but we will see.”

Evans back, Martinez long-term, squad morale holding firm

Jonny Evans was included in the matchday squad against Wolves, though Amorim had already hinted he wasn’t quite ready. His availability for Bournemouth looks far more realistic. His leadership could be crucial in high-pressure fixtures down the stretch.

Lisandro Martinez, on the other hand, remains a long-term absentee. His ACL injury has ruled him out for the remainder of this season and likely much of the next. It’s a blow that reshaped United’s defensive options and one the club will be eager not to repeat with other key personnel.

As United enter a critical juncture of the season, Ruben Amorim will be praying that his injury list continues to shrink. The returns of Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven would provide timely reinforcement, while players like Collyer and Evans could be instrumental in maintaining depth.

The project at Manchester United under Amorim is far from complete, but if he can get his players fit and firing at the right moment, this could yet be a season that ends with tangible progress.