🚨🗣️BREAKING!!! Carrick injury update on De Ligt and others: “Similar really. Frustrating for Mata [De Ligt], he’s been trying to work towards getting back, it’s a back issue that’s proving difficult. We’ll keep working as hard as we can. Lisandro Martinez is closer, a lot closer. He’s getting there, so after this one. I think he’ll be alright. Dorgu is a bit further down the line but Mazraoui is just ill. He just wasn’t feeling too good today.” What a season he was having. Genuinely gutted for him. Just hoping whenever he’s back he leaves this issue behind for good.

“Frustrating for Matta”: Carrick Rules Out De Ligt for Bournemouth as Back Issue Persists

The “Carrick Revolution” heads to the south coast this Friday, but Manchester United will once again be without a key pillar of their defense. In his pre-match press conference at Carrington today, Michael Carrick provided a sobering update on Matthijs de Ligt, whose absence is now stretching into its fourth month.

While the mood around Old Trafford remains high following the 3-1 masterclass against Aston Villa, the mounting defensive injuries are starting to test the depth of the squad.

The De Ligt “Back Issue” Mystery

De Ligt has not featured for United since the visit to Crystal Palace in late November. What was initially thought to be a minor knock has developed into a “nagging” problem that has left both the player and the coaching staff frustrated.

“It’s similar really. Frustrating for Matta [De Ligt], he’s been trying to work towards getting back, it’s a back issue that’s proving difficult,” Carrick admitted. “We’ll keep working as hard as we can. It’s a difficult one to pin down time-wise, but he’s definitely improving.”

Sources suggest De Ligt is targeting the Leeds United clash on April 13 for a potential return, using the upcoming international break to finally put the issue behind him.

The Rest of the Treatment Room

Carrick’s update wasn’t all bad news, however, as several key stars are nearing a return to the matchday squad:

Lisandro Martinez: The “Butcher” is agonizingly close. While he will miss the Bournemouth game, Carrick confirmed he is “a lot closer” and should be fully fit for the post-international break run-in.

Noussair Mazraoui: The Moroccan defender missed training on Wednesday due to illness, but Carrick is confident he will recover in time to travel to the Vitality Stadium.

Patrick Dorgu: The January Player of the Month remains “further down the line” with a hamstring injury. Like De Ligt, his target return is also set for mid-April.

Mason Mount: In a major boost, Mount is available for selection after returning to the bench against Villa, though he is unlikely to start just yet.

The Defensive Solution

With De Ligt and Martinez out, Carrick is expected to stick with the rejuvenated partnership of Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro. The duo has been instrumental in United’s 5-match winning streak, providing the stability that has allowed Bruno Fernandes to focus on shattering the Premier League assist record.

While it’s “gutting” to see a player of De Ligt’s caliber sidelined during such a historic run, the form of Maguire and the rapid settling of Yoro (aided by his close friendship with Kobbie Mainoo) means United head to Bournemouth with plenty of confidence.