Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has stepped up his recovery from a back injury by taking part in first-team training today.
The Dutchman has not played in any form for the Red Devils since his back issue before the November international break last year.
He was initially touted to return by February 2026, but a fresh recurrence meant that he had to undergo an operation towards the end of the season.
De Ligt still has a long road to recovery, but he has made a step up by linking up with his teammates in a training session in Ireland.
United have yet to provide an exact return date for the Dutchman, but he is unlikely to be fit for the first few months of the season.
Despite De Ligt‘s injury absence, United have not explored the possibility of landing a new centre-back during the transfer window.
Lisandro Martinez suffered an injury blow in the World Cup final last month, but he is expected to return before the new season.
