Matthijs de Ligt in line for Man Utd return against Atletico Madrid
Matthijs de Ligt could return for Manchester United against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday after almost 11 months out, with Michael Carrick searching for a defensive reset before a demanding stretch of away games.
De Ligt comeback offers Carrick a possible solution
The Netherlands international has come through a behind-closed-doors match involving Lausanne-Sport, giving Carrick a timely fitness option ahead of the Champions League tie. De Ligt has been sidelined by a back problem, an issue that can be difficult to manage and leaves uncertainty over how quickly he can regain sharpness.
United cannot afford a passenger if he is selected immediately. Carrick is already under heavy pressure after four Premier League matches without a win, while his changing combinations in defence have yet to deliver stability.
Only one clean sheet has been recorded in 2026-27, against Sabah in the Champions League. United are still waiting for their first Premier League shutout of the campaign.
Late Spurs lapse sharpened focus on Martinez
Lisandro Martinez has again faced scrutiny after Tottenham’s late equaliser. The Argentine centre-back failed to deal with a cross in the 92nd minute, allowing Dominic Solanke to guide his header into the corner.
Questions over Martinez’s size have followed him throughout his career, but former Premier League defender Scott Parker believes the 5ft 7in centre-half should remain central to United’s plans. Parker argued that Martinez’s ability to play quickly from the back, leadership and aggression make him difficult to replace.
Parker also said criticism should not be aimed solely at Martinez. He pointed to Harry Maguire’s positioning, recovery pace and tendency to slow possession with extra touches, while arguing that De Ligt would be his first-choice central defender if fully fit.
- United lost the September derby against Manchester City despite City being reduced to 10 men.
- More points were then surrendered against another 10-man opponent.
- Tottenham struck through Solanke in the 92nd minute to deny United a win in their latest league outing.
- De Ligt played in the Lausanne-Sport friendly and is now in contention for Atletico Madrid.
Yoro remains an uncertain option despite France breakthrough
Leny Yoro has recently made his senior debut for France, but Parker is unconvinced that the young defender has yet translated his potential into reliable Premier League performances.
Parker said Yoro has appeared nervous when defending for United, particularly in situations where centre-backs must repeatedly turn and race back towards their own goal. He also cautioned that international football presents a different test to week-to-week league action.
For Parker, the preferred route is clear: restore De Ligt when he is ready and pair him with Martinez. He believes that combination would give United two high-level defenders, with Martinez retaining his place because of his authority and tenacity.
What United must fix next
- Carrick needs a settled centre-back pairing after repeated changes at the back.
- United must end their Premier League wait for a clean sheet.
- De Ligt’s match fitness will be closely monitored if he features against Atletico.
- Martinez remains a key figure despite his costly moment against Tottenham.
- The upcoming away schedule raises the stakes for Carrick and his defence.
