Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has admitted uncertainty over when Matthijs de Ligt will return to action for the Red Devils.
The Dutch defender has been sidelined since November, when he last featured in a narrow win over Crystal Palace.
Initially expected to miss only a short period, his recovery from a back injury has taken longer than anticipated, leaving his comeback timeline unclear.
“Honestly, it’s difficult to say. Just because it’s taken that much time,” said Carrick.
“It’s one of those things, sometimes you think it’s alright and then all of a sudden it’s not quite right so we’re just kind of being patient and working through it and we’ll just have to see.
“We’re obviously giving time and trying to get him back as quick as we can but it’s really difficult to say.
“It’s like any injury, it’s trying to get the balance right. Some are a little bit more straightforward than others.”
Meanwhile, Carrick has had to reshuffle his defensive options, with Harry Maguire stepping up consistently in De Ligt’s absence.
The England international has become a key figure at the back, delivering steady performances during a crucial period.
With Maguire’s contract nearing its end, attention has also shifted to his future at Old Trafford. Carrick, however, made it clear that the defender’s contributions have not gone unnoticed.
“It’s obviously talks going on in terms of what the squad’s going to look like come the end of the season and what it looks like after that.
“Harry’s done fantastic for us, I think it’s pretty obvious to say that. He’s had a big impact on what we’ve done, so we’ll have to see.
“I enjoy working with him, I think he’s been fantastic for this club and we’ll see what comes of that.”
As United push toward the season’s conclusion, the focus remains on maintaining defensive stability.
While De Ligt’s return remains uncertain, Maguire’s form continues to provide a timely boost as Carrick’s side navigates a demanding run-in.
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